On Thursday evening, New Mexico Military Institute began the second round of conference games with a 76-67 loss against Howard College. With the loss, NMMI falls to 2-7 in conference play with a 6-16 overall record. With the win, Howard improves to 4-5 in conference play with a 16-7 record.

H1

To open a career night, David Popa scored the first points for the Broncos as he drilled a quick three to put NMMI ahead early 3-2. After a few lead changes and a tie, Gabin Lachesnais put the Institute back on top 9-8 with 15 minutes of the clock after knocking down his first three of the night.

With 10:17 remaining in the half, NMMI enjoyed their largest lead of the night after Popa scored another three to put the Broncos ahead 20-16. However, Howard was able to close out the half on a 15-9 run as they took a two-point lead heading into halftime. In the opening half, Popa led all scorers with 11 points as he drained a trio of threes. On the glass, Justin Bramao showed displayed his high energy as he grabbed 5 rebounds.

H2

Down by only two points, NMMI battled early in the second half to make it a one-point game after Siosiua Tu'akoi split his free throws. The visiting team responded with a bucket almost every time down the court. With 16 minutes left in the game, Howard took their largest lead of the game 41-35 after a NMMI turnover that led to points for Howard.

The Broncos tried to cut the deficit with the help of a 19-point performance in the second half by Popa but it was not enough. The Hawks were able to grow their lead to a game-high 12 points on five separate occasion in the final seven minutes of action. With only about 30 seconds on the clock, NMMI was baler to cut the deficit to just five points as they trailed 72-67. The Hawks, with a free trips to the line, ended the game with a 76-67 lead.

Head Coach Sean Schooley on the second meeting between the two teams, "I think we played a lot better both offensively and defensively than our first meeting," Schooley said.

"We can't turn the ball over 18 times and expect them not to use that many opportunities," Schooley said. Despite the loss the energy from the crowd was a plus, "we appreciate the Corps being here … I'd love to see more of the Corps here, when we got a good crowd it helps our guys immensely."

Popa led all scorers with 30 points, shooting 11-for-18 from the field and 50 percent from deep. Lachesnais finished with nine points, shooting 3-for-5 from deep. Justin Bramao led all players with eight rebounds, with three of them coming on the offensive side.

The Broncos return to action on Monday, Feb. 10 as they travel to Levelland, TX for a 6:30 p.m. CST matchup with No. 11 South Plains College.