On Tuesday evening, New Mexico Military hosted Central Arizona College for their regular-season home opener dropping the contest 72-64. With the setback the Broncos dip to 0-3 to start the year.
H1
The visiting team opened the scoring as they took the first 2-0 lead. For the next two minutes, no team was able to score as there was a turnover by each side before Ignacio Garcia scored the first two points for the Broncos with a drive to the basket.
The Vaqueros were able to control the opening 10 minutes of the half as they took a 17-11 lead behind a three by Devin Whitten. The Broncos would cut into the deficit as they forced one of 22 turnovers on the night. NMMI would fight back to make it a 16-17 ballgame with the help of a lob connection from Joseph Thomas to Siosiua Tu'akoi who rattled the rim with a throw down.
As the half progressed, Central Arizona was able to keep their distance as they periodically held a 5-point lead throughout various stages of the last 10 minutes of the opening half. The Broncos were able to knot the game at 23 after a bucket by Mitchell Schooley and 2 of Garcia's 14 points.
However, the Vaqueros changed the flow as they jumped out to a 10-point lead to end the game, but Garcia cut into the lead with a deep three to close the half and trail 36-29.
H2
In the second half, the Vaqueros controlled the tempo early as they were able to hang on to the 10-point lead for the first four minutes to open the second period. The Broncos got back into the game as Garcia tallied one of his two steals on the evening, Jonah Lopez would finish the fast break with a layup to cut the deficit to eight.
The Vaqueros answered with a 6-0 run as they jumped out to a 14-point lead with just over 7 minutes remaining in the contest.
NMMI was able to get within six points but that's the closest Central Arizona would allow the Broncos to get. With a plethora of free throws in the final minute of the contest the Broncos were unable to mount a comeback as the game ended 74-64.
The Broncos will return to the court on Friday, Nov. 15 as they travel to Phoenix, AZ for a matchup with South Mountain Community College at 7:30 p.m.
Box score Hits
- Ignacio Garcia led the way with 14 points on 6-12 shooting and three assists
- Mitchell Schooley finished with 10 points on 4-4 shooting with one three made
- The Bronco defense forced 22 turnovers, notching a season-high eight steals on the evening