McCook Steals One From Northeastern

Jan. 25, 2019, Sterling, Colo. —The Plainsmen had yet another even matchup on their plate as they hosted the McCook Indians. The Indians had an overall 7-11 record and have yet to win a conference game. As with any team who comes to the Bank of Colorado Event Center to play the Plainsmen, the Indians came to play like they had nothing to lose. 

Only one word could explain how the first half felt as a fan: fast. Not in the sense that the teams were pushing the ball and transition, but how fast it seemed to go by. Each team got up and down the court and shot their fair share of shots. Northeastern was able to hold the lead for the vast majority of the game, but McCook would never be too far behind and took the lead on occasion. The last two minutes of the half, McCook hit a jumper to go up one point on the Plainsmen. Northeastern didn't wince and followed it up with a jumper of their own, with Tre Lewis making a fast-break layup at the buzzer to bring it to 44-41 at half. 

After some time had passed in the second half, that fast feeling was gone and the game seemed to slow down due to the fouls each team was committing. Northeastern held the lead for the first five minutes of the half, but McCook was able to knock down some key shots and take the four-point lead. The Indians continued to hold the lead even though Northeastern made great shots at critical times.

A three-pointer from Sami Logoro tied the game at 70 with just 1:23 left in the game. The Indians scored to go up two, and the Plainsmen had a chance to tie with two free-throw attempts, but neither were successful. McCook rebounded the ball and called a timeout. Northeastern was forced to foul, resulting in a few free throws, sealing the game from McCook, 74-70. 

The Plainsmen are on the road Wednesday as they travel to La Junta, Colo. To play against the Otero Junior College Rattlers.