ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Interstat) — The New Mexico Thunderbirds delivered a commanding performance Sunday, overwhelming the Pratt Beavers 94-55 in a men’s junior college basketball game defined by defensive pressure and offensive efficiency.

New Mexico improved to 2-0 on the young season, while Pratt fell to 0-2.

The game was decided in a blistering first quarter where the Thunderbirds established a dominant 50-25 lead. New Mexico’s defense was the catalyst, forcing a series of early Pratt turnovers that fueled a high-tempo attack. The tone was set immediately, with Delang Muon and RJ Nance connecting on 3-pointers in the opening 90 seconds as part of an early run.

The Thunderbirds never relented, maintaining their defensive intensity in the second quarter to outscore the Beavers 44-30 and seal the victory.

New Mexico’s offense was a model of efficiency, scoring 94 points on 80 possessions for an offensive rating of 117.5. They shot 47 percent from the floor, including 10 for 30 from 3-point range, and were nearly perfect from the free-throw line, making 18 of 19 attempts.

Pratt, by contrast, struggled mightily with ball security and shooting. The Beavers committed 29 turnovers, which the Thunderbirds converted into 22 steals. Pratt managed an offensive rating of just 69.4, shooting 33 percent overall and a frigid 3 for 18 from beyond the arc.

Xavier Perry led a balanced New Mexico scoring effort with 18 points off the bench, showcasing efficient shooting. Ladji Coulibaly added 11 points and five rebounds, while Kemauri Millender contributed 14 points. The Thunderbirds shared the ball effectively, tallying 22 assists as a team.

For Pratt, Hunter Vaughn shouldered the scoring load with a game-high 16 points. Seydina Faye added 12 points, and Muna Godswill nearly recorded a double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds. However, the team’s collective struggles with turnovers and field goal percentage proved insurmountable.

The game’s statistical profile highlighted New Mexico’s comprehensive control. Despite both teams pulling down 35 total rebounds, the Thunderbirds excelled in every other facet, including blocks and assists, while limiting their own turnovers to just 12.

The result aligned with pregame projections from Interstat’s ELO system, which gave New Mexico a 69 percent probability to win.

Pratt will look for its first win of the season when it hosts Fort Hays Tech on Nov. 19. New Mexico continues its homestand with games against Otero on Nov. 14 and Seward County on Nov. 15.