Pirates Basketball cruised to a season opening victory on Friday against Missouri Valley College JV 107-69. Saturday's victory on the road against State Fair Community College did not come near as easily. In the end, the Pirates prevailed 89-84 in comeback fashion. NCMC trailed at the half by a score of 46-30 before exploding for 59 second half points.
Leading the scoring for NCMC against Missouri Valley was Quinan Rieves with 17 points. Five Pirates were in double figures in total.
A 21-point spark off the bench by Atavian Butler was instrumental in the victory over State Fair. Marty Jackson and Rieves each netted 16 points in the game as well.
The Pirates hit the road Tuesday to Ellsworth Community College before opening their home slate of games Friday with Graceland University JV.