OTTUMWA, Iowa – Jervay Green set a school record with 51 points, but the No. 14 Western Nebraska Community College men fell to Division II, No. 16 Iowa Lakes Community College 102-93 in the second day of the Hyvee Classic in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Green's 51 points breaks a school record that has stood for over 50 years as the University of Nebraska recruit became the first Cougar basketball player to score 50 points in a game. The previous record of 49 was held by Billy Stewart on December 12, 1965, and Eric Gore at the national tournament against San Jacinto College in 1990.
Green's 51 points included 10 3-pointers while going 18-of-26 from the field. The 10 treys were two 3-pointers shy of tying the school record. Raul Delgado buried 12 3-pointers back on November 2011, while Rick Kinner made 11 treys in a win over Air Force Prep on January 1996.
Shooting was a big difference in the contest. Iowa Lakes shot 54 percent in the first half, including burying 6 of 11 treys in the first half. WNCC shot 44 percent in the first half and just 6 of 16 from beyond the arc in the opening 20 minutes. Iowa Lakes held a 51-43 lead at intermission.
The second half was an evenly played half with Iowa Lakes outscoring the Cougars 51-50. The game saw eight lead changes and seven ties between the two teams that were ranked in the top 20.
WNCC finished the game shooting 53 percent from the field and making 14 of 31 treys, while Iowa Lakes shot 46 percent from the field and making 10 of 21 treys.
Iowa Lakes held a 44-33 rebounding advantage. Byrce Sanchious led the Cougars with six rebounds while Henry Tanksley had five.
WNCC had three players in double figures. After Green's historic 51 points, Sanchious finished with 20 points while Martin Roub had 15.
WNCC, 12-4, will be off until the new year when they return to action on January 7 when they travel to Laramie County Community College.
Iowa Lakes 51 51 – 102
WNCC (12-4) 43 50 – 93
WNCC
Bryce Sanchious 20, Elie Cadet 2, Jervay Green 51, Martin Roub 16, LeBeck Warren 4.