First-half slump hampers Indians in loss to Western Wyoming

CASPER, Wyo. – The McCook Community College men were unable to overcome a cold first half Friday in a 75-65 lost to Western Wyoming in the Casper Classic.

“I don’t think we played bad,” said MCC Coach Jacob Brandl. “We had a terrible first half and that killed us. That was the game.”

The Mustangs were leading 23-22 then went on a 16-5 run to end the first half leading 39-27.

“This was another tough one. Realistically it was a six-or-seven-point game again and they made their free throws down the stretch,” said Brandl.

MCC shot 31.3 percent from the field in the first half including a four-for-16 showing from the 3-point line.

“Some positives from the game – we took more shots than they did but we have to convert,” Brandl said. “Guys were getting shots we can make but today we just weren’t making them.”

MCC outscored Western Wyoming 38-36 in the second half and finished the game shooting 35.3 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from distance, making 11 of 36 outside shots. The Indians had 13 turnovers.

“We were bad from the 2 today, we were able to get to the rim but didn’t finish,” said Brandl.

Western Wyoming shot 43.9 percent from the field for the game and made six of 16 3-pointers (37.5 percent). The Mustangs held a 45-35 rebound edge and turned the ball over 18 times.

Freshman Louie Tucker (Bristol, England) led MCC with 23 points and made five of his 12 3-pointers along with a team-high seven rebounds and four steals. Sophomore Ty Foster (Bronx, N.Y.) scored 12 points and Trey Summers (sophomore, Greeley, Colo.) had 10 points and six boards. 

“Louie Tucker was amazing tonight,” said Brandl. “He kept us in the game, he willed us on and hit shots, and got to the paint and you could say the same thing about Ty.”

The Mustangs improve to 6-2 on the season. MCC goes to 2-6. The Indians play Casper College at 7 p.m. Saturday.

“We need some guys to play better tomorrow,” said Brandl. “We’re right there, we just need to continue to stay tough as a group and have somebody step up for us and make that play.”

Up-to-date information about MCC basketball including schedules, statistics, rosters and photos can be found on the MCC Athletics website, www.mccindians.com.