TRINIDAD, Colo. – The Western Nebraska Community College won a big Region IX South sub-region contest over Trinidad State Junior College 65-60 Friday night on the road.
The win was the Cougars 17th of the season, but more importantly, moves the Cougars to 7-1 in the South sub-region. WNCC has a two game lead over second place Trinidad State and Lamar, who are both 5-3 in conference play.
Friday's win was a contest where WNCC had to fight back from a couple deficits in the fourth quarter. WNCC led 26-17 at halftime and enjoyed a 42-31 lead after three quarters. The fourth quarter was the key quarter as Trinidad scored the first 12 points to grab a 43-42 lead.
After that, WNCC and Trinidad State exchanged buckets. Bree Paulson was the big scorer for the Cougars in the final period, burying two clutch 3-pointers and Jaleesa Avery had one big trey. And, down the stretch, Anastacia Johnson hit 3 of 4 free throws to preserve the win.
Three Cougars finished in double figures. Paulson and Sladjana Rakovic each had 18 points, while Avery had 14. WNCC buried just five treys, but shot 40 percent for the game.
WNCC also pulled down 38 rebounds, led by Johnson with 10. The Cougars defense was also strong once again, getting 11 steals. Rakovic had three steals.
WNCC will be back in action Saturday when they travel to Otero Junior College for a 2 p.m. contest. The Cougars will then return home to host Iowa Western Community College on Wednesday.
WNCC (17-4) 10 16 16 23 – 65
Trinidad 5 12 14 29 – 60
WNCC
Bree Paulson 18, Giovanna Silva 3, Jaleesa Avery 14, Zeynep Canbaz 2, Anastacia Johnson 7, Melisa Kadic 3, Sladjana Rakovic 18.
TRINIDAD
Clarissa Chaves 4, Alayna Latimore 14, Tammarrah Gothard 10, Kaila Gabriel 8, Jenny Hugins 3, Shahennesey Bradford 6, Mandie Perea 6, Brittnee Coberly 1, Annette Warner 8.