MCC women fall to No. 3 New Mexico JC 64-38

HOBBS, N.M. – The McCook Community College women pushed third-ranked New Mexico Junior College early but ultimately dropped a 64-38 game Friday. The loss came in the first of two games in the New Mexico Junior College Classic.

The Lady Indians came out strong and led 14-6 at the 2:28 mark of the first period and went on to lead 15-9 after 10 minutes.

"I thought we came out and played our best quarter of the season to start the game," said MCC Coach Brandon Pritchett.

The T-Birds responded with a 29-9 surge in the second quarter taking the lead for good with 6:20 left in the half, 17-16. NMJC led at the half 38-21.

"Overall the first half we competed, but we just struggled to score the ball," said Pritchett. "We did a good job limiting them to one possession."

New Mexico, who improves to 9-0 on the season, shot 34.9 percent from the field, made five of 22 shots from distance (22.7 percent) and went 15 of 26 from the free-throw line (57.7 percent).

The T-Birds outrebounded MCC 45-23. NMJC turned the ball over 14 times while MCC had 19. The New Mexico bench outscored MCC 26-8.

"They were more aggressive in the second half and got 14 offensive rebounds," said the coach.

MCC shot 31.1 percent from the field, made five of 18 shots from the 3-point line (26.3 percent) and went five-for-eight from the line (62.5 percent).

"Once we start making shots and flowing on offense we'll be fine," said Pritchett.

Sophomore Madara Liepniece (Riga, Latvia) led the Indians with 17 points while Laia Izquierdo Altimira (Barcelona, Spain) scored 13.

The Lady Indians fall to 4-3 on the season and will take on No. 25 Snow College (Ephraim, Utah). The Badgers are 7-1 with their only loss coming Thursday to New Mexico JC, 74-56.

"This team is capable, we just haven't clicked for four quarters," said Pritchett.