Thunderbirds fall to McCook

Hobbs, NEW MEXICO (November 6, 2015)

The New Mexico Junior College Men's Basketball team came within a missed layup of taking the lead with under 14 seconds remaining, eventually falling to the McCook Community College Indians 92-89 in the HydroTech Classic in Caster Activity Center.

An early season battle of unbeaten teams had all the drama of a heavyweight fight. The Indians jumped out early seizing a 12 point lead only to see it disappear as the Thunderbirds went on a 43-27 run to end the first half.  The teams went back and forth in the second half as the Indians used three consecutive three point baskets with just under six minutes remaining to take a nine point lead at 89-80.

The Thunderbirds wouldn't go away easy as they chipped away and got to within two at 90-88 on a sweet driving layup by Jalin Hart who was fouled and calmly sank the free-throw to cut the deficit to one at 90-89.  Hart finished the game with 19 points.  The Indians turned it over on their next possession and Tyler Blount found himself wide open under the basket and just missed the layup that would have given the Thunderbirds the lead.  The Thunderbirds fouled and McCook sank one free-throw to give them a 92-89 lead.  The Thunderbirds missed a desperation three to tie it.

Blount also scored 19 points and El Hadji Dieng (Fa) and Emmanuel Ansah also scored in double figures for the Thunderbirds dropping 10 and 13 points respectively.

McCook shot a blistering 55.6% from behind the arc which was a season high given up by the Thunderbirds.

Next up for the Thunderbirds us University of The Southwest JV on Saturday.  Tip time is slated for 5:00 P.M.  Once again, fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to assist with the food drive for the Salvation Army.  Those that bring an item will receive a discounted ticket at the door.

HYDROTECH CLASSIC SCORES:

GAME 4: Phoenix College 82; Odessa College 79

GAME 5: Midland College 130; Adams State JV 65