Not In The Cards, Mineral Area Close But No Tiparillo
(Hutchinson, KS – March 21, 2026) – The last time the Mineral Area College Cardinals were in the National Tournament, they entered as the No. 1 Seed. The Cards bowed out in the quarterfinals to high powered Cowley CC.
This time, as the #20 seed, faced a team from NY (Monroe University), who is playing their last season in the NJCAA. Next year the Mustangs will compete in NCAA DII as members of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. And the Mustangs extend their Juco life with a 77-72 triumph.
MAC, now 21-12, played a good enough game to have won, but never could get close enough to be a major threat to Monroe. Poor clutch shooting led to their downfall, although their overall shooting percentage was equal to the taks. Monroe was 27-64 (42.2%) while MAC went 25-61 for 41%.
In the loss, Mineral Area was led by Nick Williams with 24 point and 8 rebounds. The only other double digit scorer was Nacier Kirksey, who was a pain in the Mustangs side with 8 steals.
Monroe (29-4) got 26 from Nazir Allen, 16 from Terron Garrett, as Nassir Binion and Lorenzo Shields both put in 10. Mineral Area won the rebounding battle 41-34, but committed 22 turnovers to only ten for Monroe.
The Mustangs advance to play #4 Seed Trinity Valley CC (TX), last years National Champion. That game will be at 5:30 on Monday, March 23.
