New Mexico Too Much For Barton
(Hutchinson, KS – March 21, 2026) – Game 2 of the first day at Hutchinson’s Sports Arena finds the Thunderbirds of New Mexico JC, the 18th seed, an At-Large Selection from the Southwest District ruining the Barton CC Cougars (2024 National Champs) hopes of doing something similar this time around, in their third consecutive appearance.
Both game in the tournament see the lower seed prevailing.
NMJC held a slim four point advantage 40-36 at the break. Then gradually pulled away to a double digit lead for much of the second half. Both teams shot below 38% from the field in the first half, and both heated up in the second, but it was the T-Birds who survived and advanced to the second round.
Barton just couldn’t get on track to get close enough, and got outscored 63-54 in the final stanza. It seemed like every opportunity the Cougars had to get within striking distance, something bad happened.
The Thunderbirds out boraded the Cougars 46 to 35, which certainly didn’t help Barton during crucial parts of the game.
New Mexico will now face #2 College of Southern Idaho on Monday, March 23 at 2:30.
The Thunderbirds were led in scoring by RJ Nance, who popped for 23 in 24 minutes of game time. Next up was Delang Muon with 18, followed by Ladj Coulibaly and his 15 point, 9 rebound effort. Michael Mackey topped off at 10. Grigorjie Avramovic dished out 8 assists.
Barton’s leading point producer was Noah Williams who tossed in 23. Sebastialn Muchitsch and Blake Rucker each had 15, and Brian Sullivan, Jr and Aris Rodriguez added 14 and 12 respectively.
New Mexico spent all but :47 either tied or in the lead. There were 4 lead changes and ties.
Barton finishes at (24-10) as New Mexico is moving on with a record of (27-6)
