Lady Rattlers top MCC to open region play

LA JUNTA, Colo. – The McCook Community College women opened up Region IX south play Friday on the road with a 63-47 loss to Otero Junior College.

After the Lady Rattlers scored the first six points of the game MCC responded with a 17-7 advantage over the final eight minutes of the first period to lead 17-13.

"We came out and competed the first quarter and after that we just didn't have the same intensity," said MCC Coach Brandon Pritchett.

Otero responded in the second quarter and reclaimed the lead, stretched it to 35-28 at the half, and outscored MCC 11-10 to lead by eight points after three quarters.

In the final stanza the Rattlers hit timely 3-pointers to enjoy a 17-9 advantage enroute to the 16-point win.

"This is always a tough place to play, and they made shots and were more physical than we were for 40 minutes," said Pritchett.

Otero made 11 of 26 shots from the 3-point line (42.3 percent) and 46.2 percent overall.

No statistics were available for MCC.

"We are making a lot of dumb mistakes," said Pritchett. "Once we eliminate all our individual mistakes we'll be a ton better."

Otero improves to 4-14.

MCC falls to 8-8 and 0-1 in region play. On Saturday the Lady Indians travel to Trinidad to take on the 0-15 Trojans at 2 p.m. (MT).

"We can score the ball, we've shown that during the first semester," said Pritchett, "We just need consistency."

On Tuesday, MCC returns home to face Southeast Community College at 5:30 p.m. in a Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference game.

Up-to-date information about MCC basketball including schedules, statistics, rosters and photos can be found on the MCC Athletics website, www.mccindians.com.