Trojans ring in 2018 with win over Northwest Tech JV

Every Trojan scored and the starters each reached double figures as the Colby Community College men's basketball team downed the Northwest Kansas Technical College JV Monday night at the Community Building, 97-66.

"This game was good because we were able to get back into game mode before our next conference game," said Colby head coach Rusty Grafel. "We are still battling a lot of injuries, so we are expecting guys to step up. So far they have all taken the challenge. We had five guys in double figures and were able to hold them under 70 points as a team."

The layoff over the holiday break did not appear to effect the Trojans as they were up 13-2 four minutes into the contest. The margin increased to 21 before a late run by the Mavericks closed the gap to 47-38 at halftime.

The second half mirrored the first after Colby built a 59-40 lead around the 18 minute mark. But the game got interesting when the Mavericks converted on Trojan turnovers. Jalen McGee drained a three-pointer that capped an 18-4 Northwest Tech run to make it 63-58. The Trojans regrouped after a three-point play by Gabriel Gyamfi, and over the final 12:42 the Colby defense only allowed eight points.  

As a team, Colby shot 51 percent from the field and made all 14 free throw attempts. David Hall had a game-high 20 points, adding 10 rebounds, and five of the Trojans' 25 assists. Craig Beaudion also had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Thomas Jacobe and Ibarra Raymond led the Mavericks with 19 points each.

Colby, now 9-4 overall and 5-4 in the conference, travels to Chanute Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. tip against Neosho Community College (5-7, 3-6). The next home action is Saturday against Seward County at 8 p.m. following the women's 6 p.m. game.