The Northwest College men’s basketball team had plenty to be thankful for after the holiday weekend, pushing its early season record out to 8-2 after defeating United Tribes Technical College 94-92 and Miles Community College 90-56 in Montana on Friday and Saturday.

NORTHWEST 94, UNITED TRIBES 92

Starting out the weekend the Trappers came up against a fast-paced opponent in United Tribes (6-4) to kick off the MCC Classic.

“I was concerned about the pace of the game going in because they play really fast,” coach Andy Ward said.

Northwest took the lead early in the contest, but the Thunderbirds responded early and took the lead 17-15 with 10:27 left in the first half.

Lead changes continued to be a common theme in the first half, with the Trappers gaining a slight upper hand going into the locker room with a 39-36 lead.

Despite holding the slim lead, Northwest was unable to keep the Thunderbirds off the offensive glass — with United Tribes grabbing 10 offensive rebounds in the first half.

“I would have liked to see us rebound better,” Ward said. “They are quick to the ball and they send a lot of guys to the offensive glass.”

Northwest found a way to push the lead out to six multiple times before United Tribes made a 7-0 run to reclaim the lead 57-56.

Both teams battled back and forth until the Trappers created separation with an eight-point lead that held until around 4:10 remaining when the Thunderbirds made a late push.

United Tribes used that push to take the lead 83-82 before an 8-2 run gave Northwest a five-point lead in the final minute.

The Thunderbirds again closed to one possession, but the Trappers held on for a 94-92 win.

“They have a really good team,” Ward said. “They are well coached, have good players and play a certain style that is really hard to prepare for. I thought our guys did a good job.”

Juan Pablo Camargo Tellez led the way with 26 points, followed closely by Davion McAdams with 22. Yannice Nlend finished with a 16 point, 12 rebound double-double along with seven assists. David Ayala was the final Trapper in double figures with 10.

NORTHWEST 90, MILES CITY 56

After the thrilling win on Friday, the Trappers turned around to take on hosts MCC (2-8) on Saturday.

The game started out close over the first three minutes, before a 13-4 run by the Trappers made it a 17-8 game.

“We wanted to play a more up-tempo style,” Ward said. “We anticipated that they would zone us and they did. I thought we did a good job of attacking their zone.”

Northwest continued to push the lead further out, cruising to a commanding 23-point lead at the half 48-25.

The Trappers continued to push the pace out of the break, pushing the lead to 30 just seven minutes into the half.

“I liked our defensive intensity, we really rebounded the ball well,” Ward said. “We didn’t shoot it well but we had 22 offensive rebounds.”

Northwest finished the game with a 90-56 victory, with 11 Tra-ppers contributing to the cause.

Camargo Tellez again led the way with 18, followed by Nlend with 13 and Antwon Logan with 10.

Ayala led the way with 10 rebounds.

TOUGH TEST

After finishing the MCC Classic 2-0, the Trappers head down to the Salt Lake Community College Bruin Classic starting today (Thursday).

Northwest kicks off the weekend taking on Utah Peaks Prep at 5 p.m.

The Trappers will then get a top test on Friday, taking on hosts No. 2-ranked SLCC (6-0) at 7 p.m.

“Going into this tournament I really want to keep the focus on the Trappers and us playing better,” Ward said. “In the end you have to prepare for teams, but we have to do what we do and try to do it well.”

Finishing off the weekend Northwest will take on Real Salt Lake on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Ward knows that it is difficult to prepare for each and every opponent this upcoming weekend, and is hoping his team will continue to improve each day.

NORTHWEST 94, UNITED TRIBES 92

Offensive rebounds in ()

Points — Juan Pablo Camargo Tellez 26, Davion McAdam 22, Yannice Nlend 16, David Ayala 10, Christian Adun 7, Mack Page 4, Andre Loigu 3, Will Hemme 2, Brash Emery 2, Kolter Merritt 2

Rebounds — Yannice Nlend 12 (1), Juan Pablo Camargo Tellez 6 (2), Davion McAdam 5 (1), Christian Adun 5, David Ayala 3 (1), Brash Emery 3 (1), Mack Page 3 (1), Andre Loigu 1, Will Hemme 1 (1), Antwon Logan 1

Assists — Yannice Nlend 7, Christian Adun 4, Juan Pablo Camargo Tellez 2, Davion McAdam 2, David Ayala 2, Will Hemme 2, Brash Emery 1, Kolter Merritt 1

Steals — Christin Adun 3, Yannice Nlend 1, Will Hemme 1, Kolter Merritt 1

Blocks — Yannice Nlend 2

NORTHWEST 90, MILES CITY 56

Points — Juan Pablo Camargo Tellez 18, Yannice Nlend 13, Antwon Logan 10, David Ayala 9, Milton Rodriguez Santana 8, Mack Page 7, Davion McAdam 6, Andre Loigu 6, Will Hemme 6, Kolter Merritt 5, Christian Adun 2

Rebounds — David Ayala 10 (2), Christian Adun 8 (4), Yannice Nlend 6 (3), Milton Rodriguez Santana 4 (2), Mack Page 4 (1), Kolter Merritt 4 (1), Juan Pablo Camargo Tellez 3, Will Hemme 3 (1), Antwon Logan 3 (3), Davion McAdam 2 (1), Andre Loigu 2 (1)

Assists — Yannice Nlend 5, Davion McAdam 4, Andre Loigu 2, Milton Rodriguez Santana 2, David Ayala 1, Mack Page 1, Christian Adun 1, Kolter Merritt 1, Antwon Logan 1

Steals — David Ayala 3, Yannice Nlend 3, Milton Rodriguez Santana 3, Andre Loigu 2, Juan Pablo Camargo Tellez 1, Mack Page 1, Christian Adun 1

Blocks — Yannice Nlend 1