NMMI Sports Press
The Broncos won their third-consecutive game Wednesday night at Cahoon Armory, downing the visiting Lamar Community College Runnin' Lopes 77-50 to move to 3-7 on the season.
"I thought our defense was really good tonight," said Bronco head coach Sean Schooley. "We didn't give them any second chances. Everybody's running the ball down and trying to get a piece of it, and that just takes effort."
Freshman forward/center Yanis Ndjonga led all players with 16 rebounds and completed his double-double on the other end with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting.
"That's man's work right there," said Schooley. "When you have more rebound than points, that's impressive."
Freshman forward Quentin Bolton had nine rebounds and led all scorers going 8-of-12 for 17 points. Sophomore guard Keon Baker dropped in 16 and went 5-of-6 from the charity stripe.
"Those three guys are usually our main offensive threats, but Donovan (Long) doesn't get enough credit," Schooley said. "He really plays hard on the inside and has really, really helped us a bunch."
The Broncos team goals for the game were to pull down 40-plus rebound and turn the ball over less than 12 times. NMMI accomplished the first goal with 53 boards, but were a little too sloppy with 18 giveaways.
After dropping the first seven matchups of the season, the Broncos appear to have found their stride, beating Otero College 97-81 in Levelland, Texas on Nov. 19, then making the 400-mile trip to Lamar, Colorado two days later where they defeated the Lopes 86-80.
"We set a goal when we got home that we were going to get on a roll," Schooley said. "That we were just going to pride ourselves on finishing strong, and really getting ready for conference play. We've taken our lumps. A lot of teams will schedule easier games early and we did the opposite. Hopefully that prepares us to hold home court in conference play and win some tough road games."
Schooley praised his coaching staff for their continued efforts to bring a group of all new players together in time to have a successful season.
"Coach Alex (Olesinski), coach (Troy) Coleman, coach (Kennedy) Miller, they are really doing a great job," he said. "Doing a lot of good work and taking a lot of pressure off this old man. The kids are improving, starting to buy in and you can see it."
The Broncos will have a couple more chances for some good home cookin' before hitting the road again with the NMMI Classic this weekend. On Friday, NMMI will face the Albuquerque Basketball Club Turquoise team at 8 p.m. and take on ABC Red at at 2 p.m. Saturday. Other teams will be playing before the Broncos' games beginning at 2 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday.