MCC women fall to Otero Monday night

The McCook Community College women's basketball team dropped a 68-64 decision against Otero Junior College Monday night at True Hall Gymnasium.

"It was a hard fought battle and I was proud of how they stepped up and played hard until the last second," said MCC women's coach Michelle Orton. "Otero is one of the top five teams in the region and they are the best three point shooting team.

"We were down by five at half and trailed by as much as 10 points in the second half. But because our team never gives up they continued to go right at them to get back in to the game. We had some great performances by several people last night."

Kamillia Brown had 20 points and Samantha Stuart had 18 points and 9 rebounds.

"Our post players did a great job of protecting the inside and getting some key rebounds while our guards handled a very aggressive in-your-face pressure," Orton said. "We were able to tie the game up with 1 minute left in the game. Otero had possession of the ball and Erin Nealey had a big steal to put us back in the driver's seat.

"We attempted a set that opened Kamillia up for a lay-up but did not hit it. We came back and played tough defense, but Otero was able to get open for a three point shot and hit it. With only a few seconds left we set it one more time but Otero was able to tie it up with the possession going their way.

"We were left with having to foul and they hit a free throw to give a four point win. The losses are always difficlut to take when you put that much into a game, but I am so proud of they they battled. I told my team in the locker room that if they are playing that hard and giving everything they have that's all I can ask."