In an early season match-up between top 25 teams, the NOC Mavericks raced out to a big early lead and outlasted Cowley College 110-96 in the 2021 season opener

"For the first game of the year and the limited practices we have had, I was extremely pleased with our energy level to start the game," said head coach Donnie Jackson. 

"Cowley plays a unique style, it's a very hard game," Jackson added.  "They are going to keep trapping no matter what the situation.  You have to take care of the ball against their press, you have to sprint back in transition every time and you have to locate shooters in a hurry."

NOC built a19 point lead midway in the first half at 49-30 before settling for a 61-45 lead at half.  In the second half, the Mavs built a 100-77 lead before Cowley rallied to within 13 at 103-90 but that was as close as the Tigers would come.

JD Ray led six players in double figures with 28 points while Tyrel Morgan had 17, Avante Lederer 13, Nate Goodlow 11, and Justin Wilson 10.  Lederer had 12 rebounds while Morgan added 11.  Ray added eight assists.

The Mavs shot 54% from the field and 42% from 3-point range.

"We have a quick turnaround and play them again Saturday," Jackson said.  "I expect their absolute best and we will need to be ready."

The Mavs-Tigers tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. in Arkansas City on Saturday.

Mavs 110, Cowley 96

                        1     2—Total

Cowley            45  51--  96

Mavs               61  49—110

Cowley—D. Rigdnall 22, C. Clark 18, C. King 13, J. Yow 10, R. Brown 9, K. Campbell 7, M. Edmundson 6, M. Henderson 5, S. Allen 4, T. Morse 2

Mavs—JD Ray 28, T. Morgan 17, S. Grisby 15, A. Lederer 13, N. Goodlow 11, J. Wilson 10, C. Dennis 5, M. Berry 4, M. Crawford 4, K. Sesberry 3