#16 Ranked Wranglers Roll Past NMJC
The Odessa College men's basketball team used a strong first half to pull out a solid victory against New Mexico Junior College.
The No. 16 Wranglers used a balanced scoring attack with four players finishing in double figures in the 81-63 win Thursday night at the OC Sports Center.
"I thought it was one of our better team wins," Odessa College head coach Tra Arnold said. "Everybody came in and contributed. We set the goals for the team and it looks like we accomplished them. I liked our energy and effort from the bench. Everyone was engaged. It was a good, team win.
The Odessa College bench stepped up to spark the run early in the contest. Kejuan Johnson led the Wranglers with 14 points, while Tyshon Rogers added another 13 for the reserves.
"We're just as important as the first team. That's the way we look at it," Johnson said. "We're a strong bunch that comes in and competes every day.
"Coach has been telling me to be more aggressive. I've been relying on my shot and they've been telling me to attack the basket."
Delshon Strickland, another Wrangler who usually comes off the bench, was pushed into the starting lineup with Sammy Barnes-Thompkins sidelined with an illness.
Strickland took advantage of the extra time on the floor to finish with 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting.
"It's next man up when someone is down. That's the attitude," Arnold said.
After a close start to the game, the Wranglers closed the half on a 32-12 run to take a 42-23 lead into the locker room.
From there, Odessa College (19-3 overall, 8-1 WJCAC) was able to fend off the Thunderbirds' comeback attempts, keeping the lead in double figures for the entire second half. The Wranglers made the comeback difficult on New Mexico JC by hitting 13 of 15 from the free-throw line in the final 20 minutes.
The Wranglers bench dominated the contest, outscoring the New Mexico JC reserves 34-13. Odessa College also had a definitive advantage in the post, doubling up the Thunderbirds 44-22 in points in the paint.
"We've been working on pounding the ball in. We've been settling for too many jump shots," Arnold said. "We got some points from guys in the paints and made some contested shots around the rim."
Marlon Hunter also had a solid game for the Wranglers, matching Johnson for the team-high in scoring with 14 points on 7 of 11 from the field.
Shawn Olden finished with a game-high 18 points for the Thunderbirds (17-6, 5-4), while Roosevelt Smart added another 16.
The Wranglers will be on the court Monday when they travel to Roswell, N.M. and take on New Mexico Military Institute.
"We'll be locked in. Playing there is really, really tough," Arnold said. "Hopefully, we'll play good basketball. It's a hard place to win. They will play their style and it will be a grindfest."
Article by Joshua Perry