T-Bird (WBB) Gets Back on Track

Freshman guard Kaycee Steinke finished with a career-high six 3-pointers and a career-high 19 points Monday in the 73-46 victory over Frank Phillips. 

The 3-21 Plainswomen battled in the first quarter and even led 11-9 at the 5:18 mark. NMJC grabbed the 14-13 lead with an Emma Najjuma layup. Frank Phillips hit a 3-pointer with 1:26 left to take the lead back and end the quarter in front 16-14.

Steinke caught fire in the second quarter scoring 10 points after shooting 3-for-3 from 3-point range, and 1-for-2 from the charity stripe. The T-Birds throttled the Plainswomen in the second quarter 24-9 and held Frank to 18.2% from the field.

NMJC and Frank both scored 18 points in the third quarter. The Thunderbirds outscored Frank Phillips 17-7 in the fourth and stifled the Plainswomen to 20% from the field to win by 27 points.  

Amyah Sutton went 2-for-4 from 3-point land finishing with 10 points and five rebounds. Forward Pania Davis recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, four blocks, three steals, and three assists.      

Fatime Seck registered eight points and five rebounds. Emma Najjuma finished with seven rebounds and Jada Graves dished out seven assists. 

The T-Birds shot 27-for-64 (42.2%) from the field, 13-of-32 (40.6%) from the 3-point line, and 6-of-10 (60%) from the free throw line. The Thunderbirds held the Plainsmen to 32.8% from the field and 25% from the three-point line.  

NMJC stays in first place in the WJCAC standings (11-2) and is ahead of South Plains (9-2) by two games.

The No. 4 Thunderbirds drop to 26-2 (11-2) have a big break and will play Clarendon College 21-7 (7-5) in Hobbs, NM Thursday, March. 6 at 5:45 p.m. MST.

The Thunderbirds will recognize sophomores Cacia Antonio, Amyah Sutton, Pania Davis, Nuria Estrade, Emma Najjuma, Fatime Seck, Danielle Smith, and Khadidja Toure 10 minutes prior to first tip.