TRINIDAD, Colo. – The Western Nebraska Community College men's basketball team lost another heartbreaker to the hands of a hot-shooting Trinidad State Junior College squad, falling 105-98 in a Region IX South Division contest Friday at Trinidad, Colo.

                The loss drops the Cougars to 14-8 overall and 4-6 in South play while Trinidad improves to 5-4 in the South and 12-11 overall.

                WNCC coach Russ Beck said this one is hard to swallow.

                "This is hard to swallow, it is the sixth loss of the season where we can 100 percent put the loss on our inability to step to the free throw line and convert," he said. "Key stat is Cougars 12 of 24 and the Trojans 21 of 29. Hard as a coach because we can't shoot those free throws for our guys."

                Defensively, the Cougars didn't get enough stops. Trinidad held a 54-47 lead at halftime and both teams made 51 in the second half.

                "Our defense could have been better but we played them neck to neck, out rebounded them but when the other team nearly makes more free throws then you attempt then 90 percent of the time you will lose. Especially close games," he said.
                Both teams shot well. WNCC shot 50 percent from the field, burying eight 3-pointers while Trinidad was 56 percent from the field and connecting on 12 treys.

                WNCC out-rebounded the Trojans 39-38 and had 11 steals to Trinidad's four. What it came down to was free throws where Trinidad was 21 of 29 for the game, including 16 of 23 in the second half. WNCC was 12 of 24 for the game and 8 of 13 in the second half.

                WNCC had five players in double figures. Michael Connor led the team with 21 points, including four 3-pointers.  Also netting double digits was Daylon Harris with 18, Tyrell Williams with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, Derrick Bowers with 13, and Michael Sparks with 12.

                Trinidad was led in scoring by Chris Williams with 27 points including four 3-pointers and 9 of 11 shooting from the charity stripe.

                WNCC will be back in action Saturday as they travel to face Otero Junior College. The Rattlers are leading the South Division with an unblemished conference record.

WNCC (14-8)      47 51 – 98

Trinidad (12-11) 54 51 – 105

WNCC

Michael Walton 1, RJ Palmer 2, Derrick Bowers 13, Daylon Harris 18, Michael Sparks 12, Leon Tomic 8, Michael Connor 21, Chase Mason 7, Tyrell Williams 16.