The Warriors used a 7-0 run in the first half to bolt to a 36-26 halftime lead in securing their 15th win of the season. Indian Hills is now 14-0 at home.
WNCC coach Russ Beck said what killed the team the most was 12 first half turnovers and, he said, you can't do that against a team the caliber of Indian Hills on their home court.
"The first half we had 12 turnovers and that was a big negative. We did a poor job in taking care of the ball. They climbed in us and they were really physical and we were not getting the calls that we thought we should have," Beck said. "However, in the second half, we only turned over the ball seven times and shot 11 of 12 from the free throw line and 15 of 21 overall."
Beck, who was an assistant coach under Indian Hills coach Jeff Kidder when they were at Dixie State College, said these games should get them ready for the second half of the season.
"It is a tough place to play. They are now 14-0 at home and they had a good crowd," he said. "The game was delayed because the referees that were suppose to referee the game we not notified of the game time change, so they had to call some local people. We had to wait around for that and that was a little bit of a momentum killer, but I still thought the guys played pretty hard and competed real hard. They [Indian Hills] capitalized on our mistakes and they knocked down quite a few threes, especially late in the shot clock."
The Cougars never could find an answer to a hot-shooting Indian Hills team. The Warriors blistered the nets for 51 percent shooting, while the Cougars managed just 35 percent shooting on 17 of 48 shooting. The Cougars connected on six 3-pointers in the game, including a trey by freshman Joe Stock at the end of the first half to cut the deficit to 10 points.
WNCC couldn't find an answer to stop a sizzling-shooting Warrior team as Indian Hills ran off seven straight points to open the second 20 minutes. The Cougars managed to slice the lead to 17 points on several occasions, but Indian Hills always had an answer.
Beck said the good news from the first 15 games is that they played some tough competition which should help them during the second semester.
"We played a tough pre-season schedule. Sheridan is in the top 25, Indian Hills started the year off in the top 25, CEU is one of the top teams in Region 18. we played some good teams and I think this experience will benefit us as we into region play now. We are going into the season where everything matters. Up until to this point, it is to prepare us for conference play and eventually the conference tournament. We are hoping we have toughed up by playing in some tough environments and against some tough teams. I think we are learning."
The Cougars placed two players in double figures. Francisco Cruz had the hot had leading both teams in scoring by pouring in 18 points, including two 3-pointers. Brylle Kamen also netted double figures, scoring 12 points, including two 3-pointers.
Indian Hills had five players net double figure scoring. Brian Wilson led the way with 15 points followed by Larry Stone and Aaron Austin with 12 points each. Dijon Farr finished with 11 points, while Dwan McMillan had 10 points.
WNCC, 10-5, will now be off 15 days before its next competition when they travel to southern Colorado to take on Lamar Community College and Otero Junior College Jan. 15 and 16.
"We are going to utilize the time off and practice and try to get better and get the guys back in shape," Beck said. "We came back from Christmas break a little out of shape and a little rusty to come out to a tournament and play two teams that are powers nationally. It was big to bite off, but this will get them ready. We will get in the gym and work on some things that we need to work on an get ready for conference play."
WNCC (10-5) 26 29 -- 55
Indian Hills (15-4) 36 39 -- 75
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Francisco Cruz 18, Brylle Kamen 12, O'Rion Hughes 8, Geddes Robinson 8, Geoffrey Firmin 5, Joe Stock 3, Saul Torres 1.
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