NMMI Sports Press

 

A rough second quarter doomed the young Colt Basketball team Thursday at the Dexter Tournament, as the sharpshooting Jal Panthers outscored NMMI 19-2 in the second stanza on their way to a 53-32 win.

The result against the Panthers was similar to the opening game of the season for NMMI at the Jal Tournament where Jal defeated the Colts 55-32.

 

In the first half, Jal shot close to 50 percent from the field, made 3-of-7 3-pointers and sunk their only two free throw attempts. The Colts had a solid first quarter with four players scoring points to trail Jal 10-8. Then came the disastrous second quarter.

 

During the break, NMMI head coach Connor Williamson told his team to get out of its own way and play with more confidence, a message that seemed to be well-received by the Colts as they picked up the pace in the second half. 

 

"The message at halftime was just to get rid of your fear and try to come out in the second half and play fearless," he said. "They did that a little bit. Guys that don't normally shoot 3s were shooting them and making some."

 

In the third and fourth quarters, NMMI did a better job challenging Jal's outside shooters and surrendered less open looks. The offensive output improved as the Colts shot 40 percent from the field and hit 3-of-8 from behind the arc. 

 

Senior guard Emiliano Herrera led the Colts with nine points, all in the second half. Senior Humberto Romero and sophomore Lorenzo Peral each scored five.

 

After the game, Williamson commended Jal on their tough play, an attribute he hopes to instill in his own squad as the season progresses.

 

"They are very physical and that is one of our biggest holes," he said. "We have to get better on defense, no doubt."

 

Hagerman lost the opening game of the tournament and will face the Colts tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Lewis Gymnasium in Dexter. The Colts defeated the Bobcats 60-34 in Hagerman on Tuesday.