NMJC Falls to Panola

New Mexico Junior College men's basketball fell to Panola College 71-65 on day two of the East West Challenge.

The Thunderbirds trailed by 15 points at halftime 46-31, before mounting a furious comeback in the second half.

Freshman center Jeremiah Cherry knocked down two free throws with 2:06 remaining to bring the T-Birds within one 64-65. Cherry would finish the contest with 17 points, seven rebounds, and 3 blocks shooting 7-of-9 from the field.

The Ponies would close out the game on a 6-1 run to finish off the Thunderbirds 71-65 in Plano. 

Sophomore guard Josh Nwankwo led the team in scoring with 22 points including five three-pointers and five rebounds on 8-of-13 shooting. Forward Lewis Rowe added seven assists, six rebounds, and two blocks.

The Thunderbirds shot 22-of-40 (55%) from the field and were 10-for-21 (47.6%) from the three-point line in the loss.

The T-Birds drop to 3-2 on the season. NMJC will take on Blinn College in the Wrangler Shootout Friday, Nov. 18 at 12 p.m. CDT in Odessa, TX.