The North Central Missouri College Pirates, ranked 3rd, showcased their offensive prowess in an 85-73 victory over Allen County Community College on Wednesday night. Tyler King led the way for the Pirates, delivering a stellar performance with a game-high 28 points. King shot 10-of-22 from the field, including three three-pointers, and added four rebounds. His scoring was complemented by Jon Carroll, who dominated inside with 24 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, including three on the offensive glass.
Giovanni Mack played a crucial role in the Pirates' success with his all-around game. He scored 17 points and dished out nine assists, keeping the offense flowing smoothly and finding teammates in key moments. Mikey Thomas contributed nine points and added energy on both ends of the court, while Joe Clark chipped in seven points and provided stability late in the game, including hitting a critical free throw.
Allen County fought hard, led by Tymell Stevenson and Malachi Schilreff, who combined for 41 points. Despite their efforts, the Red Devils struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 22.7%, and couldn't keep pace with the Pirates' balanced attack. While Allen County had a slight edge at the free-throw line, hitting 87.5% of their attempts compared to North Central's 53.8%, the Pirates' dominance on the boards and timely scoring made the difference.
North Central's bench didn't contribute much offensively, but players like Deng Gak and Za'Corrie Kerr added defensive energy, with Gak grabbing two rebounds and blocking a shot in limited minutes. The Pirates finished the game shooting 45.8% from the field and shared the ball effectively with 15 assists, showcasing their teamwork and offensive versatility.
This victory highlighted the Pirates' potential as they build momentum for the rest of the season. With King and Carroll providing consistent scoring and Mack orchestrating the offense, North Central Missouri College looks to stay undefeated on the season with their next matchup coming against Johnson County CC, ranked 13th, on Saturday at the Ketcham Community Center.