National Tournament Bound!  For the second consecutive year, the NCMC Men's Basketball program will be competing in Danville, IL with a chance to bring home a national title.  The Pirates earned that chance by winning the NJCAA DII Central Plains District Championship, defeating Arkansas State University Mid-South on the road Saturday by the score of 74-72. 

Defensive pressure and transition baskets helped NCMC get out to a comfortable lead, which they held for the majority of the game.  At the half, the Pirates held a 42-29 advantage. 

Not surprisingly, the Greyhounds would not go away easily on their home court.  In the second half ASU-Mid South switched to a zone defense, which slowed NCMC's transition game.  In the end, the Pirates were able to do just enough to secure victory.

Leading the scoring for the Pirates was Region Player of the Year Marty Jackson.  He recorded a double double with 23 points and 12 rebounds.  Atavian Butler netted 17 points, the only other Pirate to reach double figures.

Here a NCMC Head Coach Jeremy Esry's postgame comments.

National tournament details are yet to be announced.  The event will take place from March 17-21 at Danville Community College.  Here is a link to the tournament website (https://danvillejaguars.com/sports/2018/9/28/njcaa-about-the-national-tournament.aspx?path=general).