POWELL, Wyo. – Northwest College converted 32 of 53 free throws in downing the Western Nebraska Community College men’s basketball team 91-83 in the second day of the Northwest Wyoming Classic on Saturday in Powell, Wyo.
WNCC coach Russ Beck he was proud of how his team battled back in the second half despite the adversity they faced. WNCC was whistled for 36 fouls compared to 22 for Northwest.
“We dug a hole early in the first half giving them a six-point lead,” Beck said. “I loved the way we battled back in the second half despite us having to overcome some adversity which we could not control on the road.”
The Cougars converted 16 of 26 free throws in the contest but it was Northwest’s free throw shooting that was the difference as the Trappers were 8 of 13 in the first half and went 24 of 40 in the second half.
WNCC was battling the Trappers on their home court pretty well in the first half, trailing 39-32 at halftime.
Shooting also played a factor in the contest. WNCC shot 39 percent in the first half and 47 percent in the second half. Northwest was even hotter, blistering the net for 53 percent in the opening period and then cooled off drastically with 35 percent shooting.
The Cougars, who suited up 11 players for the contest, had five players foul in Quante Cooley, Trey Moore, Charles Ward, Cody Johnson, and Youssoupha Kane.
Willie Mangum led all scorers with 34 points, including burying seven 3-pointers and connecting on 9 of 14 from the free throw line. Mangum also dished out five assists.
Also hitting double digits for the Cougars were Charles Ward with 19 points and Cody Johnson with 12.
Northwest was led by Jefferey Solarin with 28 points, while Guiherme Carabaglale had 16.
WNCC (6-6) will return to action Jan. 7 when they travel to Northwest Kansas Technical College before opening up sub-region play on Jan. 8 at Lamar Community College.

WNCC                32 51 – 83
NW WYO.                39 52 – 91
WNCC
Quante Cooley 4, Willie Mangum 34, Trey Moore 1, Charles Ward 18, Cody Johnson 12, Zach Clemens 3, Rich Williams 5, Youssoupha Kane 2, Chad Calcaterra 4.