WNCC men defeat Gillette College

[Nov. 30, 2012]  SHERIDAN, Wyo. – The Western Nebraska Community College men’s basketball team received 43 points from Charles Ward and Cody Johnson and the Cougars hung on to clip Gillette College 65-61 in the Holiday Classic at Sheridan, Wyo., on Friday.
                WNCC coach Russ Beck said the big reason for the win was their defense, which held the Pronghorns to just 34 percent shooting. Beck also said they took care of and distributed the ball. The Cougars had 17 assists and committed just 12 turnovers.
                The Cougars held a 32-30 halftime lead thanks to 46.4 percent shooting in the first half, including connecting on four 3-pointers. WNCC finished the game shooting 44.6 percent and hit seven 3-pointers. Ward nailed 3 of 5 attempts, while Johnson, the 6-foot-10 post, had two treys.
                Ward finished the contest with 22 points, five assists and five rebounds, while Johnson had 21 points and six rebounds. Willie Mangum was the next leading scorer with five points and five assists.
                WNCC, 4-4, will be back in action Saturday when they take on the host team Sheridan College. Sheridan lost to the Midwest Elite team 88-83 after holding a 50-42 lead. Sheridan and WNCC met in the second game of the season the Generals won 107-104 in overtime.

WNCC (4-4)        32 33 – 65
Gillette                 30 31 – 61
WNCC
Quante Cooley 4, Willie Mangum 5, Charles Ward 22, Cody Johnson 21, Zach Clemens 3, Rich Williams 4, Trey Moore 3, Youssoupha Kane 3.