Jan. 29, 2008

Final Stats

By Anthony Arroyo Journal-Advocate sports reporter

LAMAR -- The Plainsmen of Northeastern Junior College are slowly beginning to play at the top of their game, and they proved that once again, earning a 69-59 victory against Lamar on the road Saturday night.

NJC has now won three-in-a-row, and the Plainsmen were winners in five of their last six contests. The win improves the men to 19-3 overall.

The Plainsmen knew they were in for a tough battle down south, going against a team that had just five losses to date.

Both teams would shoot the three very well in the contest, with NJC shooting 44 percent to LCC's 42 percent.

Northeastern played in back-and-fourth basketball. When the Plainsmen saw a lead, Lamar would hit a three, or knock in some free throws to bring the margin closer.

NJC would hold a 29-25 advantage at the break.

It was the Plainsmen's turn to start hitting some shots behind the arc, as the team connected on five of them in the second half. The team also went 13-15 from the free-throw line to close out the game with the 10-point triumph.

Sophomores Mike Dominguez and Troy Smith each had 15 points, pacing the Plainsmen to victory. AJ Wilson added 11 points and seven rebounds, while freshman Alex Garcia-Mendoza finished with eight points in 23 minutes.

Today, the team will play at home in a lighter contest against Laramie County Community College at 7:30 p.m.