North Central struggles in second half, falls at John Wood 83-67

Men's Basketball

The North Central Missouri College men, less than 48 hours after a dominating home-court victory to open the season on Thursday night, traveled to Quincy, Illinois on Saturday to battle the Trail Blazers of John Wood in the ‘Blazers season opener.

After the teams battled to a 32-32 tie after 20 minutes, the Trail Blazers dominated the second half, outscoring North Central 51-35 in rolling to an 83-67 win.  The game, from the Student Activities Center in Quincy, was broadcast locally on Hot Country Z 101.7.

Cory Miller Jr. led John Wood with 23 points, with Gentry Whiteman adding 15, Eric Easter 11, and Carter Cramsey and Justin Bottorff adding 10 points each.  North Central got a solid interior game from Cameron Lockett, who led the Pirates with 23 points, while Jordan Reece added 17.

Here is Pirate Coach Jeremy Esry:

The Pirates host Ellsworth Community College on Tuesday night at 7 (with coverage on Hot Country Z 101.7):