On Monday evening, New Mexico Military Institute fell to 7-21 on the year as they suffered a 71-43 loss to New Mexico Junior College in the Cahoon Armory gym. With the win, NMJC improves to 23-6 overall with a 9-6 mark in conference play.

H1

In the first half, NMJC opened the game on an 11-2 run as they controlled the pace early on. Down by nine, the Broncos tried to cut the deficit but the Thunderbirds kept firing on offense to maintain at least a 10-point advantage throughout the first half.

Late in the half, David Popa converted a four-point play opportunity after being fouled on his made three. Down 36-21 at the half, Popa led the Broncos with five rebounds and six points.

H2

In the second half the Broncos attempted to mount a comeback but fell short. With 17:21 remaining, Popa drilled another three to cut the deficit to 11 – the smallest deficit of the second half. However, NMJC responded with a run of their own to jump out and take a 23-point with just over five minutes left in the contest.

NMMI struggled offensively as they scored one point in the final five minutes to make it a 71-43 score line at the end of the buzzer.

Popa scored 15 second-half points, finished with 21 total points on 8-for-18 shooting. He added seven boards in the process. Justin Bramao finished with a game-high 10 rebounds.

The Broncos end the regular season on Thursday, March 6 as they host Western Texas College at 6:30 p.m. MST in the Cahoon Armory gym.