MCC Women return to the court with win over Central CC

The McCook Community College women’s basketball team returned to the court Saturday with a 73-56 win at home over Central Community College.

“This was a good win for us coming back off break and dealing with a lot of adversity even in just getting back a full roster,” said MCC Coach Brandon Pritchett. “We’re still trying to find our identity and haven’t been able to practice yet at five-on-five and that’s tough to be gone so long and to prepare, but I’m proud of them.”

MCC was down 20-18 early in the second quarter before going on a 25-7 run to lead at halftime 43-27 and never trailed.

“I thought this team came back from break better mentally and in shape than any team I’ve had in my five years here,” said Pritchett.

MCC shot 48.4 percent from the field in the first half and was eight-for-16 from the 3-point line, but fell off to 37.9 percent shooting in the second half and just two of 11 from distance (18.2 percent).

“There were times today when we were lax with them and could have put our foot down harder,” said Pritchett. “We shot the ball well in the first half and then got comfortable in the second half.”

Central outscored MCC 18-13 in the third quarter before MCC reclaimed momentum with a 17-11 fourth-quarter advantage.

The Raiders shot 32.1 percent from the field, made four of 18 from the arc, (22.2 percent), and made 16 of 19 free throws (84.2 percent).

For the game the Lady Indians shot 43.3 percent from the field, 37 percent from the arc and 92.9 percent from the line (13 of 14). MCC outrebounded CCC 41-33.

Sophomore Gemma Gruettner Bacoul (Berlin, Germany) led all scorers with 34 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals. She made 12 of 23 shots from the field, went six-for-10 from the 3-point line and four-for-four from the line. Audra Vine (sophomore, Thornton, Colo.) scored 14 points with a five-for-seven night from the field. Sophomore Suzan Sisman (Aarhus, Denmark) scored 11 points.

“Gemma was our offense tonight and we have to make sure others can step up and score for us because teams are going to key in on her,” said Pritchett. “Audra had a nice game shooting the ball well and I know she’s spent some extra time in the gym and working on her outside shot.”

Sophomore Rebecca Dunn (Colorado Springs, Colo.) scored seven points with six rebounds and Noa Iglesias Chorda (Barcelona, Spain) brought down seven boards to go along with two points.

Central falls to 2-17 and 0-2 in the NCCAC.

MCC goes to 8-7 on the season and 2-0 in the Nebraska conference.

“I’m proud of them and we still have some things to fix and some younger players that are going to have to figure out things faster,” said Pritchett. “I like where we’re at and we’ll get better this week and prepare for Otero and Trinidad.”

The Lady Indians begin Region IX south play next weekend with a Colorado road trip, taking on Otero Junior College Friday in La Junta followed on Saturday with a game at Trinidad State.

MCC’s next home game is Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. against Southeast Community College.

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