Lady Indians open conference play with 71-61 win over Central

COLUMBUS – The McCook Community College Lady Indian basketball team opened the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference schedule Tuesday with a 71-61 win over Central Community College.

MCC got down 18-11 at the end of the first quarter and clawed back from a 27-22 deficit midway through the second quarter to go on a 12-2 run to lead at the half 34-29. The Lady Indians took control of the game in the third quarter outscoring the winless Raiders 23-11.

“Central is always tough at home no matter what their record is and credit to them as they came out ready to play,” said MCC Coach Brandon Pritchett. “We either took them too lightly or just were looking forward to the break we have. Either way our focus has to be better moving forward and fortunately we got out of here with a win.”

With Tuesday’s loss the Lady Raiders start their season 0-9.

MCC shot 53.7 percent from the field made three of 10 3-pointers and sank 10 of 14 free throws (71.4 percent). The Lady Indians turned the ball over 18 times. MCC held a 40-24 advantage in the paint.

Central shot 40 percent from the field, made five of 18 long distance shots and went 13-for-15 from the free-throw line (86.7 percent). The Raiders outrebounded MCC 25-23 and committed 22 turnovers.

Sophomore transfer Suzan Sisman (Aarhus, Denmark) led MCC with 20 points on an eight-for-14 shooting night. Gemma Gruettner Bacoul (sophomore, Berlin, Germany) added 18 points and sophomore transfer Audra Vine (Thornton, Colo.) scored 11 points.

“Gemma and Sue played well in the offensive end,” Pritchett said. “Sue was able to get into good pull ups I feel that is something we are going to need from her this whole year.”

Ebba Zalamans (sophomore transfer, Stockhom, Sweden) led the Lady Indians with nine rebounds to go along with six points. Noa Iglesias Chorda (sophomore, Barcelona, Spain) scored five points, and MCC got four-point outings from freshman Carlota Aliaga Alonso (Valencia, Spain) and Bri Hunter (freshman, Roswell, Ga.).

MCC’s bench scored 11 points in the game.

“We need consistency from our bench. I thought this weekend they played well, but a little none-existent tonight,” said Pritchett. “Bri did come in and give us some really solid minutes in the first half and finished around the rim.”

MCC improves to 5-3. The Lady Indians have a 10-day break before heading to Wyoming for a couple games starting Dec. 1 at Torrington against Eastern Wyoming and on Dec. 2 at Cheyenne against Laramie County Community College. MCC’s final home game of the semester is Dec. 7 against the Hastings JVs at 6 p.m.

“We have a little time off for the holiday with no games, and then get back at it Saturday to start our preparation for EWC and LCCC,” said Pritchett.

Up-to-date information about MCC basketball including schedules, statistics, rosters and photos can be found on the MCC Athletics website, www.mccindians.com.