A thriller on opening night is what NCMC Pirates fans got when they saw their 6th ranked men's team tangle with a solid 19th ranked squad from Kansas City Kansas CC; a double overtime thriller at that. In the end, NCMC was able to pull out a 118-115 victory to start their 2021 season. The action was the first since NCMC's 2019-20 season was abruptly halted due to COVID-19, days before their second consecutive trip to the NJCAA national tournament.
NCMC got off to a slow start for the night, falling behind early and trailing KCKCC 51-37 at the half. Early in the second half, NCMC couldn't cut into that deficit. However, the Pirates were able to go on a run to close the gap with 10 minutes left to play, tying the game on sophomore Damien Loyd's fast break layup and free throw.
Once the contest was tied, it was a back and forth affair the rest of the night. At the end of regulation, the game was knotted at 93. Following the first overtime, the score was again tied. Not until the end of the second overtime did NCMC finally prevail 118-115.
Leading the scoring and the Pirates comeback victory was returning All-American Atavian Butler. He totaled 23 points on 9 for 18 shooting. Down the stretch is when he scored the majority of his points, especially in the two overtimes.
Esry was happy for his players following the game. He detailed that he didn't think his team played their best game but that a win is a win. "I'm just so happy…not pleased because we have got to get a lot better but I'm just so happy with how we competed and fought. That's what winning teams do," commented Esry.
Another tough matchup is in store for the Pirates on Sunday when they host John Wood Community College, a team that is also receiving votes in the preseason NJCAA national poll. Tip-off for that game is set for 4:00pm.
