Pioneers Outlast Eagles

Crowley's Ridge. 82

Northern New Mexico 81

Pioneers Outlast Eagles- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 1-5-23

Crowley's Ridge traveled to Espanola, New Mexico to kick off the New Year with Conference play. Facing a solid and athletic hosting team, Northern New Mexico College, the Pioneers would be tested early. After a tough fight and a late second-half comeback, the charity strip sealed the opening-round victory for Crowley's Ridge College. 

ESPANOLA, NM -JD Smith had a great first half to lead CRC in the offensive attack. Smith sank 4 balls from behind the arc helping the Pioneers to stay in the game as they trailed at half 41-37. The Pioneers would chip away and retake the lead at the 9:00 minute mark with a free throw from Bo Roberson making it 59-58. It would be a back-and-forth the rest of the game until Alex Mero made two free throws with 0:10 seconds to play putting CRC on top 82-81. To ensure the game Braxton Cousins grabbed a defensive rebound, giving the Crowley's Ridge College Pioneers the possession and win.

JD Smith led CRC in scoring. Smith finished with 24 points with four three-pointers. Bo Roberson added 23 points in the win.

Up Next: 

Men's Basketball takes on Iowa Wesleyan tomorrow at 6:00 pm (CST) to wrap up their time at the CAC Classic.