NMMI’s Carlos Xibille looks for the easy lay-up early in the fourth period, but Portales’ Jordan Davis has other ideas.
Karen Boehler
NMMI Sports Press
NMMI guard Peter DeGroot drive to the hoop after getting a step on Portales defender Darion Ontiveros.
For almost 31 minutes of the 32 minute basketball game between the Colts (7-12, 2-3) and No.-7 ranked Portales Rams (15-9, 5-0), NMMI never trailed by more than four, and led by as much as six late in the first quarter. So the fact both the coach and players went into the locker room disappointed with their 52-46 loss is understandable, but they have no reason to hang their heads.
“I really thought we had a chance to win this game, and I’m actually disappointed,” said coach Dan Smith. “Once again, they played their hearts out.”
NMMI’s Juan Reyes draws the foul from Portales’ Darion Ontiveros.
They did that, for all four quarters, with the difference coming down to a few minor mistakes.
The Rams outshot the Institute .576 to .462 from the free-throw line, a big margin in such a close game. The Colts were 0-for-4 in the first half, and while Portales didn’t shoot much better early, they picked it up when it counted, scoring from the charity stripe as the clock ran down.
The Colts also made some late turnovers that led to Portales points, and when big men Francisco Galvez and Dillion Reynolds fouled out, that was key.
“I think that really hurt us,” Smith said. “That’s always a challenge to maneuver people in and out in that situation. But the guys who came in did the best they could for sure.”
Chandler Lens with the pick on Ram Tyrese Dawson, allowing teammate Fausto Baranzini to make a move to the hole.
The Colts took the lead early, on a field goal by Reynolds and one of the game’s few treys by Peter DeGroot. NMMI never trailed in the first quarter, and only barely lost the edge with 5:45 remaining in the first half. The lead then went back and forth, with the Rams holding a slim 31-29 advantage at the buzzer.
The Colts re-took the lead to open the third on a field goal by DeGroot and 1-for-2 shooting from the line by Carlos Xibille. The lead traded hand twice more, with Portales holding a 38-35 third-quarter lead.
Colt center Chandler Lens gets an offensive rebound Ram center Jeremie Karngbaye. Lens was big off the bench, with six boards.
The Institute again regained the lead on a trey by DeGroot and stretched it to three, 42-39, on a field goal by the senior. After the Rams again closed in, Galvez put the lead back at three by hitting both ends on a 1-and-1.
But after Xibille left briefly with a mild injury, the NMMI defense got called for several quick fouls, with Portales hitting more than they missed from the line. The Colts lost Reynolds to fouls with 2:24 remaining and Galvez a minute later, and once the Rams went up, NMMI couldn’t quite close the gap.
Despite the disappointment, Smith is proud of his team.
“I think we can play with anybody, the way we are playing right now,” he said.
And while Xibille led the scoring with 14 points and DeGroot added 13, Smith said everyone came together in the effort.
“I don’t like to base things just on scoring,” he said. “I look at the effort they’re putting out there. Those rebounds and the boxouts and all that stuff helps our team win. I realize we get scoring from certain individuals, but the way they play together is just amazing.”
Galvez picked up nine rebounds, and Chandler Lenz came off the bench to pick up six.
The Colts now get a week to rest and practice before closing out the regular season in Ruidoso.
“It’ll be a challenge,” Smith said. “Any time you’re playing away from home, I think there’s always a little added challenge. You’re not used to the court, etc. But I think we’re up to the challenge. I can’t wait to go up there next Friday and see what we can do.”
The junior varsity had a much tougher time against the Rams, falling 70-27 in a match that saw the visitors hit nine 3s.
Andres Hurtado was hot from the outside himself, nailing three treys and a shot from the line to lead NMMI with 10 points.
