Seward County falls in season opener at New Mexico JC

HOBBS, New Mex. - Seward County Community College men's basketball team falls at New Mexico Junior College 110-85 in Hobbs, New Mexico on Monday night. The Saints trailed 51-42 at halftime and were able to cut the lead down to six points 73-67 but the Thunderbirds finished the game strong to win by 25 points. Seward County will look to bounce back tomorrow night November 2nd at New Mexico Military Institute with tip-off at 8 PM CT. 

Seward County started off the game in a battle with New Mexico Junior College. The Thunderbirds started off the game shooting the ball very well from behind the three-point line and led 17-9 with 14:07 left in the first half. The Thunderbirds continued to separate themselves from the Saints in the first half and took a 36-19 advantage with 8:26 left on the clock in the half. After two free throws by Branton "Bee" McCrary Seward County trailed 49-35 and looked to make a final push before the break. Seward County started to get hot from three and was able to cut the lead down to nine points 51-42 at halftime. 

To start the second half Seward County looked to cut the lead down the lead. Erik Pratt connected on back-to-back three-pointers to cut the Thunderbirds lead down 65-58 with 14:40 left in the game. Victor Rosario was able to knock down a corner three that forced New Mexico to take a timeout as the Saints cut the lead down to 73-67. This was the closest Seward County would get to New Mexico as the Thunderbirds separated themselves and led 89-71 with 5:24. New Mexico Junior College continued to pile it on with rebounds and quick outlets that Seward County could not stop. The Thunderbirds went on to win 110-85 over the Saints.

Erik Pratt led the team with 22 points and four rebounds off of the bench for the Saints. Taye Donald and McCrary added 15 points apiece in their starting role for Seward County.

The Saints will look to get their first win of the season at NMMI tomorrow night at 8 PM CT.