Thunderbirds defeat Ranger College, 93-80

RANGER, Texas — The New Mexico Junior College men's basketball team entered the holiday break on a high note as the Thunderbirds defeated Ranger College 93-80 Friday in Ranger, Texas.

NMJC (11-4) and Ranger (1-9) battled in the first half before a strong second half that saw the Thunderbirds outscore the Rangers 52-38 put them over the top.

"There were a couple of times where we were up six or seven points," NMJC coach James Miller said of the first half. "But in the second half we did a good job of taking away the 3-point shot and controlled the glass. Our kids made plays and closed the game out down the stretch."

NMJC outrebounded Ranger 46-28, including grabbing 21 offensive rebounds.

Cullen Russo led the way for the T-Birds with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Kimani Jackson also had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Ray Barreno had 12 points and seven blocks and Nick Billingsley finished with 12 points and five boards.

NMJC returns to action Jan. 5 when it travels to Brownwood, Texas, to face Hill College.