Thunderwolves put away Corning CC

Niagara County Community College used a 49-point second half to erase a three-point halftime deficit and earn an 89-74 season-opening home victory over Region III opponent Corning Community College on Sunday afternoon.

The Thunderwolves, ranked No. 13 in the latest NJCAA Div. II poll, improved to 1-0 overall. The Red Barons, meanwhile, dropped to 1-1.

NCCC freshman Noreon Williams canned four 3-pointers on his way to a 14-point debut. Sophomore Allen Fordham also scored 14 points, while classmate Aaron Miller had 12 points and five rebounds.

Sophomore point guard LaMarqus Merchant Jr. stuffed the stat sheet with nine points, nine boards and four assists in the win. The sub-six-footer also had a thunderous second-half dunk over a CCC defender. 

The T-Wolves forced 27 Corning turnovers and turned them in to 35 points. N-Trip also held a 19-0 advantage on second-chance points.

Xavier Hill and Dwight Reed each scored 18 points to pace the Red Barons.

NCCC returns to action on Friday for the first of three games at the Allegany College of Maryland Personal Best Classic.