Cougars hand Lady Indians 68-55 loss

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – Western Nebraska Community College sent the McCook Community College women to their third loss in four games Wednesday, topping the Lady Indians 68-55.

The Cougars led 16-11 after one quarter and at intermission 32-24. MCC shot just 34.4 percent in the first half. After both teams scored 18 points in the third quarter, WNCC outscored MCC 18-13 in the final stanza.

“We have to execute better on offense and I have to figure out something to help us offensively,” said MCC Coach Brandon Pritchett. “I feel we do a solid job getting into the paint and getting to the room, just not getting the same calls.”

MCC shot 41 percent from the field for the game, made four of 11 shots from beyond the 3-point line (36.4 percent) and went to free-throw line just three times in the game, making one. The Lady Indians held a 39-37 rebounding edge in the game.

WNCC also shot 41 percent from the field as both teams made 25 of 61 field goals. The Cougars made seven of 22 shots from distance (31.8 percent) and made 11 of 15 free throws. WNCC outscored MCC by nine points from the 3-point line and by 10 points from the free throw line.

“Another tough night only shooting three free throws to 15 for Western Nebraska,” said Pritchett. “That is something we talked about and really worked on after last week.”

Sophomore Laia Izquierdo Altimira (Barcelona, Spain) led MCC with 18 points. She was eight for 13 from the field and made two of four triples with five rebounds.

Freshman Stephanie Nnabuihe (freshman, Newbridge, Ireland) scored 12 points and was six-for-nine from the field with four boards. Sophomore Carolina Garcia Perdomo (Islas Canarias, Spain) hit two of three triples and finished with six points.

“Laia scored it well for us, Stephanie was a presence inside again, and it was good to see Carol make some shots from outside,” said Pritchett. “We just need to be more consistent offensively which will help us on the defensive end.”

Freshman Mar Molina Munoz (freshman, Parets del Valles, Spain) led MCC with seven rebounds. Claudia Serrador Cortazar (freshman, Trapagaran, Spain) had six boards.

The Cougars were second in Region IX and improve to 9-2 and 19-9 overall. MCC falls to 7-4 in the standings and 14-13 overall.

MCC will play their final home game Saturday at 2 p.m. against Northeastern Junior College. Eight sophomores will be recognized prior to the game.

Up-to-date information about MCC women’s basketball including livestream links for home games, schedule, statistics, rosters, photos and more can be found on the MCC Athletics website, www.mccindians.com