WNCC men fall to Laramie County

{1-31-13] CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Western Nebraska Community College men’s basketball team held a halftime lead over Laramie County Community College Thursday night, but they couldn’t keep the lead as the Golden Eagles came back for a 74-68 win in a South Sub-Region contest.
                The Cougars shot lights out in the first half, burying 52 percent of their shots, while holding the Golden Eagles to 30 percent in holding a 29-26 halftime lead.
                WNCC coach Russ Beck said they had a good first half.
                “We played a good first half but in this game they do not give out partial wins,” he said. “They outscored us 12 to 4 in the first three minutes of the second half erasing our three-point lead. Eighteen costly turnovers turned into points for Laramie County. It’s too late in the year to be coughing up the ball like we do.”
                Beck said they just did to dig deep to get back on the winning track.
                “We need to find a way and be willing to work hard to dig ourselves out of this rut,” he said. “It’s time to dig deep.”
                The second half was a different story as LCC shot 60 percent and converted 15 of 23 free throws. WNCC shot just 30 percent but also made 15 of 19 free throws. The difference was the Golden Eagles made four more field goals than the Cougars as both teams were rather even statistically.
                LCCC out-rebounded WNCC 38-34 and had just three fewer turnovers than WNCC. The difference was the play of Ude Ifeanyichukwu, who tallied nine blocks. Ifeanyichukwu, however, wasn’t a factor scoring, finishing with no points.
                The Golden Eagles put three players in double figures, led by Julian Chiera with 22 points, including a perfect 7 of 7 from the foul line. Deshon Portley chipped in 19 points, while Germain Decosta had a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
                WNCC got another outstanding effort from Charles Ward, who finished with a game-high 27 points. Ward, a sophomore from Phoenix, converted 14 of 17 free throws. Quante Cooley was the only other Cougar in double figures with 12 points.
                The Cougars will be back in action on Saturday against sub-region leading North Platte Community College before returning home Feb. 8 and 9 to host Lamar Community College and Northeastern Junior College.

WNCC                   29 39 – 68
LCCC                      26 48 – 74
WNCC
Hahir Little 2, Zach Clemens 8, Quante Cooley 12, Rich Williams 5, Trey Moore 2, Charles Ward 27, Sebastian Suarez 2, Cody Johnson 8, Chad Calcaterra 2.
LCCC
Deshon Portley 19, Stewart Washington 4, Pat Stephens 8, Ben Davis 3, Julian Chiera 22, Germain Decosta 12, Emory Bennett 6.