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The Broncos opened the game with a 4-0 lead behind a pair of baskets by Joseph Thomas and David Popa. However, Frank Phillips would hold the Broncos to just six points in the first 10 minutes of action. With 9:58 on the clock, NMMI trailed 17-6 with the help of 17-2 run in the previous eight minutes by the Plainsmen.

Down by 11, NMMI was unable to stop the Frank Phillips offense as they took at least a 15-point lead on four different occasions to close out the half. Gabin Lachesnais added a three in the first half to help cut the deficit. Scoring 11 in the first-half, Popa helped the Broncos tally 22 first-half points as they trailed 38-22 heading into halftime.

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In the second half, the Broncos were able to find some offensive rhythm as they scored 42 second-half points, compared to just 22 in the opening 20 minutes. The Plainsmen were able to grow their lead to 20 points after a three made by Sherman Weatherspoon IV with just over 18 minutes remaining.

NMMI was unable to respond after every basket as Frank Phillips took a commanding 23-point lead with 11:28 reaming.

Down big, the Broncos were able to fight their way back to just a 12-point deficit with the help of a jumper by Popa. Down 62-50 with five minutes remaining, the game ended with a 14-14 run by each team as the Broncos stumbled 76-64.

Despite the loss, Head Coach Sean Schooley is pleased with the second meeting between the teams, "I'm real proud of the effort tonight. There's no moral victories but there was improvement and effort from everyone," Schooley said. "Tonight we showed signs of what we're capable of doing and when we do that, we put ourselves in the position to win," Schooley said.

David Popa led all scorers with 23 points, shooting 11-for-20 from the field. Gabin Lachesnais tallied 10 points, scoring in double-digits for the first time in his collegiate career. Siosiua Tu'akoi led the Broncos with seven rebounds, while adding in 11 points to the total.  

NMMI will return to the court on Monday, Feb. 17 as they travel to Odessa, TX to take on Odessa College at 6:30 p.m. CST.