MCC men fall in overtime to Trinidad State

TRINIDAD, Colo. – The McCook Community College men had a 75-73 lead with less than five seconds left in regulation Saturday, and but turned the ball over on an in-bound play and fouled Trinidad State’s 3-point shooter, who made two of three free throws to send the game into overtime. The Trojans outscored MCC 18-10 in overtime and held on for a 93-85 win.

The two teams were tied 29-29 at the half in a game that featured 17 ties and 15 lead changes.

MCC took its largest lead of the afternoon 54-45 with 8:51 left in regulation. Trinidad fought back and outscored the Indians 30-21 over the final eight minutes of regulation time.

Sophomore Norris Bourne Jr. (Beaumont, Texas) led MCC with 25 points, including a six-for-12 night from the arc. Madison Peaster (sophomore, Little Rock, Ark.) scored 11.

The Indians also got a pair of double-digit performance off the bench with 13 points and six boards from sophomore Dave Olaniyi (Newark, N.J.) and 12 points from Meek Ater (sophomore, Yirol, South Sudan) who led the Indians with a team-high nine rebounds. MCC held a 36-17 advantage in bench scoring.

MCC shot 35.6 percent from the field, made seven of 24 3-pointers (29.2 percent) and made 26-for-33 from the line (78.8 percent).

Trinidad State shot 41.8 percent from the field, hit seven of 30 shots from the arc (23.2 percent) and went 30 of 38 from the line (78.9 percent). The Trojans had a 41-37 edge on the glass.

Trinidad goes to 8-11 and 1-1 in the region standings

MCC falls to 8-10 and 0-2 in Region IX South play. On Tuesday the Indians continue the region slate with a home game against Lamar Community College (2-12.) Tip-off follows the women’s game at about 7:30 p.m. in the Peter and Delores Graff Events Center.

The Lopes are 2-12 on the season and 0-1 in Region IX South standings, having dropped an 82-80 decision at home Friday to Northeastern Junior College.

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