NCC Holds on to Win in Overtime
NCC Men's Basketball traveled to Overland Park, Kansas to take on Kansas Christian College on November 28.
Both teams played each other evenly in the first half. Near the end of the half, Kansas Christian had a slight lead, but a short run and a tip in at the buzzer tied the game 31-31 at the half.
The Sentinels scored first coming out of the half, putting them up by two. However, 6 consecutive turnovers from the Sentinels early in the second half resulted in multiple layups for Kansas Christian. NCC quickly found themselves down by 18 early in the second half. The Sentinels tightened up their defense and put on a full court press, which forced turnovers and helped to cut into the lead. With 4 minutes left, NCC trailed by 8. The Sentinels forced two consecutive turnovers in the last two minutes, which brought them within 3 points. With 32 seconds left, Kansas Christian was at the line, up by one. Neither free throw dropped for Kansas Christian, which gave the Sentinels a chance to take the lead, a foul put the Sentinels at the line with 8 seconds left. NCC tied the game at the line. Kansas Christian had the ball with 8 seconds left, hoping to break the tie. An excellent defensive play from the Sentinels in the closing seconds of the game made Kansas take a contested layup at the buzzer, which came up short. NCC found themselves in overtime for the second time in the last three games. The Sentinels kept up their impressive defensive pressure during overtime, continuing to force turnovers. With 2 minutes left, NCC led by 2. The Sentinels continued to build on their lead in the closing minutes. Free throws sealed the game for NCC, coming out with the 84-75 victory. The Sentinels improve to 7-2 on the season and Kansas Christian drops to 2-5.
DJ Hanes led the Sentinels with 42 points. Chrys Jackson recorded a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds and Matt Lillquist grabbed 15 rebounds to go along with 8 points.
Kansas Christian's leading scorer was Stephone Jackson with 18 points followed by Darwin James with 17 points.
Next, the Sentinels will travel to Haviland, KS to take on Barclay College on Friday, December 1 at 7p.m.
