In a commanding display, 4th ranked North Central Missouri College overwhelmed Neosho County Community College, 92-65, with a combination of efficient shooting, aggressive rebounding, and a stellar team effort. The road victory improved the Pirate's record to 6-0 with their next matchup coming on Tuesday when they travel to 17th ranked Iowa Western CC.
From the opening tip, NCMC's starters set the tone, with Jon Carroll putting on a dominant performance. The forward was a force in the paint, shooting an impressive 10-for-14 from the field and grabbing a double-double with 13 rebounds to go along with his game-high 25 points. His presence on both ends of the court provided the foundation for NCMC's success.
Joining Carroll in the spotlight, Camden Bennett and Tyler King poured in 19 points apiece. Bennett was lethal from beyond the arc, connecting on 4-of-5 three-pointers and adding six assists to his stat line. King showcased his versatility, contributing two three-pointers and an efficient 8-of-14 shooting from the floor, as NCMC's offensive execution left Neosho struggling to keep pace.
Point guard Giovanni Mack orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out a remarkable 15 assists. His unselfish play kept the offense flowing, and he also chipped in with seven points and six steals, disrupting Neosho's backcourt throughout the game. Joe Clark added 12 points and four steals, making key plays on defense to stifle Neosho's momentum.
The bench provided valuable contributions, with Za'Corrie Kerr delivering five points and Talan Holt adding a quick three points. Their energy ensured that NCMC maintained a high level of intensity even as the starters took a breather.
Neosho County, though outmatched, saw notable efforts from Fari Joseph, who led his team with 15 points, and Rodrigo Rubio, who scored 12 points off the bench. However, their 21 turnovers and inability to match NCMC's rebounding dominance (41-30) proved too much to overcome.
NCMC's sharp shooting, particularly their 52.9% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range, coupled with their defensive intensity, sealed the win. This victory highlighted their depth, cohesion, and ability to excel in all facets of the game.