NMMI Sports Press

In the third game between the two teams this season, NMMI’s defense turned Hagerman over 29 times, including 15 steals on the way to a blowout 63-19 victory Thursday night at Cahoon Armory.

Sophomore point guard Ernesto Martinez led all scorers with 17 points on just less than 50 percent shooting from the field. Martinez sank 4-of-7 from behind the arc and hit his only free-throw attempt while also contributing on defense with five steals and a block.

Sophomore shooting guard Diego Martinez was efficient, going 6-of-8 for 13 points. Junior power forward Matthew McCargish flirted with a double-double, scoring 12 and pulling down eight rebounds. Junior guard Steven Griego chipped in seven points off the bench.

The Bobcats fought hard, but wore down with only seven active players making the short trip to Roswell. Senior center David Chacon led Hagerman with nine points and nine rebounds.

Nobody told Hagerman they had little chance to win the game, and they came out swinging with Chacon draining the first basket of the game followed by a Jaime Arebalos 3-pointer to give the ‘Cats a quick 5-0 lead.

But NMMI would find their footing quickly as Diego Martinez, Ernesto Martinez and McCargish scored points to take an 8-5 lead after one quarter. The Colts only allowed two points in the second quarter and led 22-7 at halftime and never looked back.

It’s been an up and down season for both squads, which is evident based on the results of the three games played between NMMI and Hagerman. On Jan. 10 in Hagerman, the Colts ran away from the Bobcats 60-34, but three days later at the John Reid Invite in Dexter, Hagerman beat the Institute in comeback fashion 55-53.

The most recent win may not tell the Colts (5-7) as much about themselves as a closer contest would, but it’s another home victory and gives the Colts some momentum going into district play, which begins Tuesday in Ruidoso against the Warriors. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.