Top ranked and undefeated NCMC men's basketball put together an impressive home performance in their matchup Saturday against Southeast Community College, securing a dominant victory with an 88-67 scoreline. The game showcased North Central's depth, efficiency, and teamwork, with standout contributions from both starters and reserves. With the win, the Pirates are now 16-0 with their next matchup coming on Tuesday when they travel to Illinois Valley CC.
Jon Carroll led the charge for North Central with a double-double, scoring 19 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting from the field and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. Carroll was a force on the boards, collecting 10 rebounds, including two on the offensive end, and added a block and an assist to his all-around stellar performance.
All-American Tyler King provided a strong presence, scoring 16 points on 7-of-15 shooting and grabbing six rebounds. He showcased his ability to finish near the rim and contributed to the team's rebounding dominance. Camden Bennett chipped in 13 points, including a three-pointer, while adding two assists and playing solid defense.
Giovanni Mack was a key playmaker, orchestrating the offense with five assists while also contributing 12 points on efficient shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Joe Clark provided a steady presence, recording four points, four rebounds, and two steals, helping to set the tone defensively.
Off the bench, Za'Corrie Kerr added a spark with nine points, hitting three of his four three-point attempts. Deng Gak made his presence felt in the paint with six points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, showcasing his defensive instincts. Talan Holt was perfect from the field, scoring four points in just six minutes of action, while Tyler Meinecke contributed three points and added depth to the rotation.
The team's overall shooting efficiency was a key factor, hitting 49.3% of their shots from the field and an impressive 87.5% from the free-throw line. Their dominance on the boards, with 45 total rebounds compared to Southeast's 30, ensured that they controlled the game's tempo and capitalized on second-chance opportunities.
Southeast Community College's Chang Deng led his team with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, but the team struggled with consistency, shooting just 38.4% from the field. North Central's defense disrupted Southeast's rhythm, forcing 13 turnovers and limiting their offensive effectiveness.
North Central Missouri College's balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and rebounding edge proved to be the decisive factors in their convincing win.
