Neither team could make 3 points as Air Force Prep shot just 15% from the arc (3 of 20) while WNCC was 27% (6 of 22).

The Cougars lost the rebound battle 32-29, but had 13 interceptions to the Huskies’ seven.

WNCC was led by Sawyer with 20 points, including five rebounds and four steals. Nywesh was next with 13 points, four assists and seven rebounds. After that, three players finished with 12 points each with Carter Brown, Johnson and Them Koang. Johnson had a double-double with 10 rebounds in the game.

Air Force Prep had three in double digits. Rytis Petraitis finished with 23 points with eight rebounds while going 12 of 15 from the free throw line. Rashad King had 22 points with a 6-on-6 performance from the line, followed by Vincent Brady with 12 points.

WNCC, 12-7, will be back in action this weekend when they host a pair of South Sub-Region contests. On Friday, the Cougars host Otero Junior College in a women’s and men’s doubleheader with women’s action starting at 6 p.m. followed by men’s at 8 p.m. Friday night is also WNCC Athletic Hall of Fame induction night when the Cougars induct former player Bernard Garner and distinguished supporters Neal and Lora Blomenkamp/Runza.

The WNCC will then host Trinidad State Junior College on Saturday with the women starting at 2 p.m. and the men at 4 p.m.