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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
BasketballSports

Men’s team drops 2 close games

Preston Goehring

New Mexico Highlands University took an early lead against Chadron State, giving them momentum to defeat the Eagles in a tight game, 98-95, Friday.

The Eagles battled back from a 12-point deficit to tie the game at 41 going into the half. Sharif Black, freshman guard from Detroit, scored nine points in the first half to help bring the Eagles back. Junior guard Kendrick Nichols, of Chicago, led the Cowboys with 13 points in the opening half.

In the opening minutes of the second half, the Cowboys pushed to a quick 10 point lead. The Eagles came storming back, going on a 28-9 run, giving them the lead for the first time. For the remainder of the game, both teams went back and forth. In the final minute of the game, Highlands took a three point lead off an and-one

Forward Kendrick Holliman (23), senior of Spanish Fort, Alabama, dunks the ball Jan. 10 during the game against Black Hills State University at the Chicoine Events Center. —Photo by Taylor Shortall
Forward Kendrick Holliman (23), senior of Spanish Fort, Alabama, dunks the ball Jan. 10 during the game against Black Hills State University at the Chicoine Events Center. —Photo by Taylor Shortall

and a quick transition dunk. Junior forward Roderick Butler, of Detroit, sunk a tying 3-pointer with 20 seconds left. On the following possession, Jonathan Mines, junior guard for the Cowboys of Brisbane, Australia, hit a game winning three with one second remaining.

Christopher Smith, senior guard of Pasadena, California, led the Eagles with 19 points. Butler and Kendrick Holliman, senior forward of Spanish Fort, Alabama, both finished with 16. Senior guard Evan Brooks, of Ontario, California, ended with 15. Black closed the night with 11.

The Eagles dropped another heartbreaker against Western New Mexico University, 78-76, Saturday. There were 10 lead changes and nine ties in the game.

The game was another hard fought battle, neither team able to extend a substantial lead. The Mustangs largest lead was seven. Chadron State’s was only three. The Eagles were outscored in the paint, 38-30, and points off turnovers, 18-13.

Brooks hit a three with 13 seconds left in the game, cutting the lead to one in the final minute of another exciting game. Both teams then hit two free throws, keeping the margin the same. On the last possession, Brooks came up just short on the game winning three. He led the Eagles with 22 points.

Holliman added 14 along with six rebounds. Butler and Black both finished with 12.

The Eagles tip off against CSU-Pueblo at 7:30 p.m., Friday at the Chicoine Events Center.

Josiah Lee, senior of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Michael Safer, senior of Elizabeth, Colorado, were named to the RMAC All-Academic basketball team Wednesday.

To be named to the team, athletes must maintain a 3.3 GPA, be a starter or reserve, and have completed two consecutive semesters or three quarters at their school.