NMJC (WBB) Rocks WTC in Conference Opener
January 8, 2026

NMJC (WBB) Rocks WTC in Conference Opener

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The No. 9 T-Birds used a big second quarter to earn their first win of 2026 in a 60-42 victory over Western Texas on Thursday, Jan. 8. 

The Thunderbirds led by five points, 14-9, after one quarter of play. NMJC went 5-of-8 (62.5%) from beyond the arc in the second quarter to outscore the Westerners 20-9 in the period and roll into half ahead 34-18.

Western Texas did have one positive in the second half as they were outplayed by one point in each quarter, ultimately falling 60-42. The Westerners 0-17 (0-1) have yet to win a game all season.  

The T-Birds had three players in double figures Thursday night. 

Freshman Rekiah Bowen led the T-Birds in scoring off the bench with 13 points after knocking down three triples in 14 minutes of play. Freshman guard Luisa Amaral finished with 12 points and six rebounds. Forward Addison Edwards ended the night with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field. 

Jada Graves was the floor general for the T-Birds in the conference opener dishing out 10 assists and recording five steals in the 18-point win. 

The Thunderbirds have won 12 straight games dating back to their Nov. 6 overtime loss against Arizona Western. 

The T-Birds shot 21-for-59 (35.6%) from the field, 10-of-33 (30.3%) from the 3-point line, and 8-of-10 (80%) from the stripe. NMJC forced 23 turnovers and held the Westerners to 29.3% from the field. 

The No. 9 Thunderbirds move to 14-1 on the year and will play Howard College in Big Spring, TX Monday, Jan. 12 at 5:45 p.m. CST. The game will be streamed on TSBN sports.