Tough Start To Season For Northeastern

Salt Lake City, Utah...

The Plainsmen competed in their first tournament of the 21-22 season in Salt Lake City this past weekend.  Northeastern had to face some pretty stiff competition as they played #1 nationally ranked Salt Lake City Community College on Friday and then Utah State Eastern College on Saturday.  NJC moves to 0-3 to start their season after being ranked in the top 25 nationally to start the season.  A hefty schedule is coming for the Plainsmen as they play 5 games in the next 6 days.  Northwest Kansas Technical College comes to Sterling on Wednesday to play Northeastern for their first home battle of the season starting at 6pm.

(Game Recap 11/5) Plainsmen vs. Salt Lake City CC - Loss 100-77

1st Half - NJC struggled to stop the powerful scoring SLCC.  The offense was getting buckets on command as Northeastern defense couldn't get good matchups.  Score at halftime was 52-34 in favor of SLCC.

2nd Half - Second half proved to be a little more settling for NJC as they were able to keep up scoring wise with SLCC.  They also cut down on the turnovers, but couldn't overcome the deficit being out scored 48-43.  Score ended 100-77.

Breakdown: Northeastern had many problems with turnovers resulting in easy baskets for SLCC.  The Bruins top player scored at will against NJC recording 32 points.  NJC's big men played solid with sophmore's Quincey Jewett recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds while Jared Adams had 10 points and 9 rebounds.  Sophomore's Axel Henry and Cyler Kane-Johnson chipped in with 10 and 12 points respectively.  NJC did however have 34 turnovers to SLCC's 15.

(Game Recap 11/6) Plainsmen vs. Utah State Eastern College - Loss 68-61

1st Half - Turnovers continue to be an issue with NJC.  USE went on a couple scoring runs that dug a hole for Northeastern.  Score at halftime was 34-26 in favor of USE.

2nd Half - A much more balanced scoring and defensive battle for NJC in the second half.  By controlling the ball and more clock management, Northeastern was able to outscore USE 35-34, but wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.  Scored ended 68-61.

Breakdown:  Northeastern did a much better job containing the USE offense and not allowing easy baskets.  NJC shooting percentage was pretty low at 37.9 and just 17.6% beyond the arc.  The turnovers tallied more for the Plainsmen than the Golden Eagles 22-13.  Jared Adams led scoring for NJC with 13.  Quincey Jewett recorded another double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.  Northeastern's bench compiled 12 points total.  Axel Henry recorded another double digit scoring effort with 11.