NCCC squanders lead vs. Mustangs

Niagara County Community College built up a 24-point second-half lead before going ice cold over the final 10 minutes of a 96-89 non-conference setback to visiting NJCAA Div. I Monroe College on Sunday afternoon.

The Thunderwolves, ranked No. 9 in the latest NJCAA Div. II poll, fell to 8-2 overall. The Mustangs improved to 10-3.

NCCC was led by freshman Lamar Lovelace, who finished with a career-high 33 points on 13-of-21 shooting. The T-Wolves canned 13 3-pointers and had 24 team assists in the loss.

Also for N-Trip, freshman Allen Fordham netted 22 points off the bench and freshman LaMarqus Merchant Jr. had 13 points and seven assists.

Jadon Archer had 23 points to lead the Mustangs.

The T-Wolves next play at 7:30 p.m. Friday when they visit WVU Potomac State College.