Box Score

MIAMI — The Redlands Community College men are 2-9? You sure couldn't tell it Thursday, Nov 29.

Northeastern A&M grabbed a big lead only to have the Cougars slash the deficit to eight before NEO used a late burst to claim an 85-69 victory at the NEO Field House.

"They are a good team," Norse coach Jeremy Jackson said. "One of their best players is not available right now. They are playing very well without him. They shoot the ball extremely well and that's one thing that hurt our zone."

NEO led 53-32 at the break and were up by as many as 25 in the second half, 65-40.

But a 14-2 run by Redlands melted that down to 69-61 with 7:43 remaining.

The Norse nailed down their ninth win of the season with a 13-7 run after that.

"We let up at the half because we thought we had it in the bag," Jackson said. "Finally a fire got lit under us and we realized we have to get it back (under control). We responded. We showed some resiliency, but we also showed some youth."

Yet it was the freshmen that accounted for 35 of NEO's 85 points.

Rudi Williams was one of four players in double digits with 14 points.

Melo Williams scored nine, Kyrele Benford six, Kamelo Cele four and Michael Rivera two.

Sophomores Kyle Lukasiewicz, Ravel Moody and Dylan Van Eyck wound up with 20, 14 and 12, respectively, for the Golden Norse.

Valentin Van Putten chipped in with four.

The win was a good rebound for NEO, which had dropped a 106-97 decision at Eastern State College on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

"We had good weekend at Poplar Bluff (going 3-0 in the Three Rivers Thanksgiving Classic at Poplar Bluff, Missouri) then Eastern on the road," Jackson said. "That (at Wilburton) is a tough place to play. We took the lead in the second half, but fell short.

"Tonight was a very good bounce back game."

Kenny Springs led Redlands with 25 points — nailing six treys — while Traven Palmer added 17.

Next:

NEO hosts the Missouri Southern JV on Tuesday, Dec. 4.

Jim Ellis | Sports editor
Miami News-Record
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