The North Central Missouri College Pirates and Lady Pirates basketball squads traveled north to Lamoni, IA for matchups with the Graceland JV basketball teams on Tuesday.
Both the Pirates and Lady Pirates came away victorious. The men brought home a 93-81 win while the women came away with a 71-61 win.
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Men
The Pirates jumped out in front early and pulled out to a 15-point lead midway through the first half. Graceland rallied, however, and closed the gap to eight at halftime.
The teams played fairly even throughout the second half as NCMC extended its lead to 12 and won by the final score of 93-81.
The Pirates were led by Brandon Thomas, who scored a game-high 27 points. Martin Roper scored 20 to aid the Pirates’ effort and Devin Eighmey had 15. Byron Bundy rounded out the Pirates’ double-figure performers with 12 points.
“Offensively, I was pleased with our effort,” Head Coach Steve Richman said. “We went back to a controlled-style offense and got our shots to fall.”
The Pirates’ record improved to 5-8 on the season with the win.
Women
The Lady Pirates got back on the winning track as well with a 71-61 win over Graceland. The Lady Pirates gained control of the game midway through the first half, but Graceland stayed within striking distance.
The Lady Pirates would not let Graceland make a run, as they finished strong to hold on to the win.
Cassie Hunt again led the Lady Pirates, scoring a team-high 20 points. Toni Brundage scored 15 points and Kedra Dierking finished with nine.
“We did a better job of taking care of the basketball and re-bounding,” Head Coach Jenni Croy said. “That is what we have been working on.”
The Lady Pirates also advanced to 5-8 on the season with the win.
Both squads return to action on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Ketcham Community Center in Trenton. The men will host Ellsworth Community College while the women will face Cloud County Community College. Women’s action begins at 5:30 p.m., with men’s action following at 7:30.