3rd ranked NCMC pulled off a hard-fought victory over 13th ranked Johnson County Community College, 74-68, with a balanced team effort on both ends of the floor. The matchup was a gritty back-and-forth affair, but NCMC's timely plays from their starters proved the difference.
All-American Tyler King led the charge for NCMC, scoring a team-high 22 points on 7-for-13 shooting, including a crucial three-pointer and seven made free throws out of nine attempts. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as his four rebounds and steady play kept the team poised in critical moments.
Giovanni Mack was another key figure for NCMC, adding 20 points on an efficient 7-for-13 shooting, including two three-pointers. Mack also went a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe, helping maintain the team's edge late in the game. His defensive presence and court awareness were pivotal in keeping Johnson County's dynamic guards in check, though they did play a key role.
Jon Carroll anchored the inside game for NCMC with a double-double, scoring 11 points and pulling down a team-high 12 rebounds, including three on the offensive glass. Carroll's presence in the paint helped offset Johnson County's rebounding advantage and gave NCMC second-chance opportunities. Down the stretch, Carroll did struggle a bit from the charity stripe, an area he will continue to look to improve.
Camden Bennett and Joe Clark chipped in with eight and five points, respectively. Bennett showcased his composure at the line, hitting all four of his free-throw attempts, while Clark led the team in rebounds with seven, ensuring NCMC held its own against Johnson County's physicality.
Off the bench, Deng Gak provided a spark with five points, including a clutch three-pointer, in just 17 minutes of action. Mikey Thomas also contributed with a three-pointer to keep the momentum in NCMC's favor.
Defensively, NCMC was active, recording four steals and forcing Johnson County into 12 turnovers. Though out-rebounded 41-28, the team's ability to convert at the free-throw line, going 22-for-32 (68.8%), made up for the deficit. In contrast, Johnson County struggled from the stripe, hitting just 11-of-21 (52.4%), a factor that heavily influenced the game's outcome.
Despite standout performances from Johnson County's Gavin Harvey (23 points) and Steven Samuels (21 points), NCMC's balanced scoring and clutch play in key moments allowed them to edge out the victory. This win highlights the depth and resilience of the NCMC squad, setting a strong tone for the season ahead.
