MCC Men’s offense falters in Region IX loss to Trojans

In a key Region IX South game at home, the McCook Community College men posted their second-worst offensive output of the season in a 72-57 loss to Trinidad State Junior College. MCC's lowest score of the season came Dec. 7 in a 53-51 win over Highland CC.

"We weren't very good tonight," said MCC Coach Jacob Brandl. "There's no way to sugarcoat this thing."

Despite getting out-shot 55.6 percent to 30.6 percent in the first half, MCC was able stay close and trailed at the half 35-27.

The coach pointed out that Trinidad averages 86 points a game and more than 10 made 3-pointers in their wins --  73 points and seven 3-pointers in their losses.

"We held them to 72 and six, so it's hard to say it was absolutely a horrendous game, but we gave up 51 percent from the field and that has not been us," he said.

MCC finished the game shooting 11-for-36 in both halves (30.6 percent), made four of 20 shots from the 3-point arc 20 percent), and nine of 11 from the free throw line (81.8 percent.)

"We weren't good offensively. We had good looks," Brandl said. "We were not very tough around the rim and we weren't very tough from the free-throw line at times."

Trinidad finished the game shooting 50.9 percent from the field, made six of 16 3-pointers, (37.5 percent) and made 12 of 16 shots from the line (66.7 percent). The Trojans edged MCC in rebounds 40-39.

MCC did get 18 offensive rebounds in the game with eight coming from Julian Lual (Calgary, Alberta) who led all players in the game with 21 points and 14 rebounds.

"Julian Lual just absolutely carried us and we didn't give him any help," Brandl said. "We have to have guys step up and make those shots because we got good looks."

The rest of the team made 13 of 50 shots in the game (26 percent). D'Andre Dennis (Charlotte, N.C.) and Damien Perry (Wareham, Mass.) both scored nine points.

 "We just have to have guys play better especially coming in tomorrow with Otero trying to win the league and Trinidad's doing what they can to steal it from them and we'll see if we can help Trinidad out, but we're going to have a team that is ready to play tomorrow."

MCC falls to 9-19 and 4-7 in the Region IX South Standings.

Trinidad State improves to 14-10 overall and 8-3 in the south, second place behind 8-1 Otero Junior College.

On Saturday MCC takes on No. 22 Otero at 2 p.m. OJC is 22-4 overall. This will be the final game for eight sophomores who will be honored prior to the game.

Also Saturday is the Dick Driml Chili Cookoff in the auxiliary gym and open to the public from 1:30 p.m. until halftime of the men's game. All proceeds benefit the MCC Music Department.

For more photos from tonight's game, please visit the MCC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MPCCMcCook