No Rattle for Otero in Hobbs

NMJC opened the weekend's tournament with a strong 102-80 win over Otero College on Friday, Nov. 14.

The T-Birds led by 20 points, 54-34, at the break over the Rattlers. Otero was stronger in the second half shooting 42.9% from the field and the same clip from the 3-point line. NMJC outscored the Rattlers 48-46 in the second half to win by 22 points. 

"The guys did well, we didn't do a good enough job defending, giving up 80 points which is the most we have given up all year," NMJC men's basketball head coach Luke Mackay said. "Otero shot the ball well in the second half. Good to get a win but there is a lot of tape that we can learn from and continue to get better." 

NMJC finished the afternoon with four players in double figures. 

Kemauri Millender was the top scorer for the T-Birds with 16 points. Kenny Fields came off the bench and added 14 points. RJ Nance posted 11 points and four assists in the 22-point win.

Grigorije Avramovic recorded five assists and four steals on Friday. Ladji Coulibaly, Garrison Phelps, and Chouaybou Keita all finished with five rebounds. Xavier Perry tallied 10 points and three rebounds. Sophomore guard Michael Mackey registered a team-high six rebounds.

The T-Birds shot 36-for-80 (45%) from the field, 15-of-38 (39.5%) from the 3-point line, and 15-of-18 (83.3%) from the free throw line. NMJC forced 24 turnovers and held the Rattlers to 43.4% from the field. 

The Thunderbirds improve to 5-0 and will face Seward Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. MST in Hobbs, NM.