Submitted

The North Central Missouri College men’s basketball team turned in a balanced performance on both ends of the floor to secure a 78–66 victory over Metropolitan Community College at home to open league play. With the win, NCMC is now 14-4 with a road matchup Saturday looming against Jefferson College.

Deng Gak led the Pirates with a strong all-around effort, posting 16 points and a game-high 14 rebounds to anchor the paint. Camden Bennett paced NCMC in scoring with 19 points, knocking down three three-pointers and going 8-of-11 from the free-throw line. Camden Brown added 15 points and four blocks, providing a key defensive presence inside.

James Porter III contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, while Grant Redd filled the stat sheet with three points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Off the bench, Za’Corrie Kerr scored seven points on efficient shooting, and Talan Holt pulled down eight rebounds to help control the glass.

As a team, the Pirates out-rebounded MCC 48–41 and shot 45.3 percent from the field, using their size, depth and defensive pressure to pull away down the stretch and earn the home win.