Graves Career-high 35 Propels T-Birds to 3rd OT Win

Sophomore guard Jada Graves scored a career-high 35 points as NMJC took down Seward County in overtime 84-81 on Friday, Nov. 14. 

The T-Birds have played in three overtimes games through five games this year and now have a 2-1 record.

Graves had a monster start for NMJC scoring 21 points in the first half. NMJC led at the break 39-31.

Graves tallied 11 points in the fourth quarter to reach 35 points in regulation. The Saints came back in the fourth quarter after trailing by 11 in the third quarter and even led 76-73 with under eight seconds remaining in the game. T-Bird freshman guard Rekiah Bowen took the handoff from fellow freshman Addison Edwards and nailed a 3-pointer to tie the game for NMJC with two seconds to go which forced OT.

NMJC fell behind 81-78 in overtime, but Bowen came through again hitting a timely 3-pointer to tie the game up at 81 apiece with 1:44 left in OT. The T-Birds received the ball back after the Saints missed on the layup in the subsequent possession. Graves dashed to the paint and dropped it off to Edwards who finished with the left hand and drew the foul. The free throw pushed the T-Birds ahead 84-81 which proved to be the final score.

"We just have to prepare to play 45 minutes every night because we have had to go an extra period in our first 3-of-5 games to figure it out," NMJC women's basketball head coach Austin Mefford said. "So many people made plays tonight and stepped up huge for us when we needed it. Jada Graves was unbelievable tonight and Rekiah hit some big shots."

Jada Graves finished the night with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. The point total is the fifth highest in school history. Rekiah Bowen was 3-of-8 from beyond the arc recording 14 points. Addison Edwards scored nine points, grabbed eight boards, and added three blocks. Guard Luisa Amaral tallied eight points and seven rebounds. 

The T-Birds shot 34-for-72 (47.2%) from the field, 5-of-19 (26.3%) from the 3-point line, and 11-of-16 (68.8%) from the charity stripe. NMJC forced 18 turnovers and held the Saints to 38.5% from the field.

The T-Birds (4-1) finish their classic in Hobbs, NM against Independence CC Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. MST.