Indians topple Trinidad to snap stranglehold
The McCook Community College men snapped an eight-game losing streak to Trinidad State College Saturday and did so with a decisive 121-96 win in the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.
Sophomore Nate Coley, (Little Rock, Ark.) erupted for a career-high 42 points and freshman Djibril Diawara (Aulnay-sous-Bois, France) scored 18 first-half points and finished with 21 points. Both guards hit five 3-pointers – part of 17 made 3-pointers by MCC on the day.
Before Saturday, the Trojans – four-time defending Region IX champions – had swept MCC at home and in Trinidad, for four straight seasons. MCC’s last win came in the Covid-19 altered season when MCC topped Trinidad State 86-67 on March 26, 2021 at home.
“Trinidad State is a tough program and facing them on the second game on back-to-back nights is a challenge, but our guards set the tone,” said MCC Coach Dillon Hargrove. “Djibril Diawara starts off on fire, I think he had 18 points with seven minutes left in the first half.”
Coley picked up the baton in the second half. Complete shooting statistics were not available, but Coley made 15 field goals, five triples and went seven for 10 from the free-throw line.
“We don’t have the exact numbers, but I think Nate scored probably 25 of his points in the second half,” said Hargrove.
Sophomore Mo Diao, (Darkar, Senegal) scored 16 points with four rebounds. Freshman Justin Neubert (Durango, Colo.) scored 11 points off the bench including three triples and Sofiane Benragba (freshman, Montpellier, France) scored 10 points with a pair of 3-pointers.
“With Djibril and Nate and multiple guys in double digits, it means they are listening,” said Hargrove. “We’ve changed our identity a little and I’m really pleased how we shared the basketball tonight.”
Redshirt freshman Alier Alier (Bor, South Sudan) led MCC with nine rebounds. MCC held a 35-32 rebound edge.
“I think this was our best team effort and having to do hard things when it comes to a back-to-back against a well-coached team like Trinidad – I’m just real pleased with our guys,” said Hargrove.
With back-to-back losses to North Platte and MCC this weekend, Trinidad State falls to 7-10 overall and 0-2 in the standings.
MCC improves to 12-7 and 2-1 in Region IX South play.
The Indians will be on the road for two games this week starting in Lamar at 8 p.m. Wednesday then to Lincoln Saturday for a 4 p.m. game against Southeast Community College.
Up-to-date information about MCC men’s basketball including livestream links for home games, schedule, statistics, rosters, photos and more can be found on the MCC Athletics website, www.mccindians.com