New Mexico Military opened the second round of district play on Friday night with a 49-39 loss against Ruidoso High School at the Cahoon Armory Gym. With the setback, the Colts dip to 2-2 in district play with a 13-11 overall record. With the win, Ruidoso improves to 14-10 on the season and 2-2 in district play.

Q1

To open the contest, the Colts took a quick 4-0 lead behind a basket by Sawyer Hull and Xavier Johnson. However, Ruidoso would go on to hold NMMI to just six points in the first quarter as Ruidoso held a 10-6 lead after the first eight minutes of action.

Q2

Down 10-6, NMMI tried to cut into the deficit as Jacob Hayes scored a bucket to make it a 14-12 ballgame with just over three minutes remaining in the half. In the second quarter neither team could find an edge as each side scored eight points in the quarter. The Colts were able to make it a 18-14 game, as they trailed heading into halftime.

Q3

With a quick basket by Torty Kalu-ulu, the Colts trailed 18-16. However, that would be the closest the Colts came to taking a lead. Ruidoso was able to establish some offensive rhythm in the second half as they used the third quarter to outscore the Colts 17-9. To end the quarter, Carper Lackey knocked down a pair of free throws to make it a 35-27 game after three quarters.

Q4

In the final period NMMI, cut the deficit to just four points after a bucket by Johnson with 6:43 left on the clock. The Warriors would not bend as they quickly took a 10-point lead after a three by Mason Fikany. In the final period the Colts were outscored 14-12 as they dropped their second district game of the year 49-39.

Xavier Johnson led the Colts with nine points on 4-for-12 shooting. On the defensive end, NMMI forced 26 turnovers while tallying nine steals in the process.

The Colts return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 18 as they take on Tularosa High at 6:30 p.m. MST in Tularosa, NM.