Hawks Defend Home Record with Win Over New Mexico Military Institute Monday Night

Howard College Men's Basketball defeated New Mexico Military Institute with a 81-60 final to kick off this week's action. 

In the first half of play, the Hawks totaled 31 points to NMMI's 26 to see the home team ahead at the break.

The red and black got back to business in the second frame, putting up 50 points while the visitors added 34, bringing the total for the evening to 81-60 in favor of Howard College. 

''This was a good learning experience for us. I didn't think we played with much energy the first half. Second half we did better and made some plays when we had to'', stated Head Men's Basketball Coach Kyle Cooper. 

Brandon Ivery had his biggest night yet with 22 points on the evening. The sophomore for the Hawks finished 8-10 from the field and 6-8 from the three with three rebounds, two assists and one steal. 

'' We played hard and did a great job of staying together. I'm very proud of my brothers for having each other's back. We are one step closer to achieving our goal of cutting down nets'', commented Ivery. 

Dace Pleasant totaled 14 points as the second biggest contributor for the Hawks at 5-6 form the field, 3-4 from the three and 1-2 from the line. Pleasant also had four rebounds and four assists. 

Victor Yimga Moukouri also added double digits for Howard College with 11 points, finishing 3-5 from the field, 1-2 from the three and 4-4 from the line. 

Collectively, the red and black ended the evening 26-45 from the field, 15-24 from the three and 14-17 from the line with seven steals and three blocks. 

''Credit to NMMI, this was the first time all season we have lost the boards. We need a good couple days of practice before playing at a very good New Mexico team Thursday'', commented Cooper. 

Up next for the Hawks is a trip to Hobbs, New Mexico, to face New Mexico Junior College Thursday at 8:30 p.m. CST.