HOBBS, N.M. (Interstat) — The New Mexico Junior College Thunderbirds remained undefeated Friday night, using a dominant first-quarter performance to overpower the Otero College Rattlers 102-80 in a men’s junior college basketball game.

The Thunderbirds improved to 3-0 on the young season, while the Rattlers’ struggles continued, falling to 0-6.

New Mexico seized control of the game from the opening tip, establishing a commanding lead in a high-scoring first quarter. The Thunderbirds’ offense was relentless, pouring in 54 points while holding Otero to 34. The second quarter was more evenly matched, with New Mexico outscoring Otero 48-46, but the damage was already done.

The Thunderbirds’ victory was built on superior efficiency and ball security. They scored 102 points on 88 possessions, an offensive rating of 116.5, significantly outperforming Otero, which managed 80 points on 83 possessions for an offensive rating of 96.2. New Mexico also forced 24 Rattler turnovers while committing only 16 themselves, leading to a 13-7 advantage in steals.

Shooting percentages told a similar story. New Mexico connected on 36 of 79 field goal attempts, a 45.6% clip, and were potent from beyond the arc, hitting 15 of 38 three-point attempts. Otero shot 23 of 53 from the floor, 43.4%, and made 8 of 21 from three-point range. The Rattlers found more success at the free-throw line, making 26 of 34 attempts compared to New Mexico’s 15 of 18, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

New Mexico also controlled the boards, outrebounding Otero 44-33, including a 16-10 edge on the offensive glass.

The Thunderbirds’ attack was balanced, with several players making key contributions. Kenny Fields was highly efficient off the bench, scoring 14 points in just 10 minutes of play. Kemauri Millender added 16 points, and Michael Mackey filled the stat sheet with 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Grigorije Avramovic facilitated the offense effectively, dishing out a game-high 5 assists.

For Otero, SirDevin Roberts provided a spark with a team-high 19 points in just 16 minutes of action. Bertran Walthour Jr. contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds in 25 minutes, while Kaylan Graham and Jye Barlow added 12 and 10 points, respectively. Sam Webb logged 27 minutes and tallied 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

The game began with a frenetic pace marked by early turnovers from both sides. New Mexico’s Delang Muon opened the scoring with a dunk just 14 seconds into the contest. The Thunderbirds quickly found their rhythm, building a double-digit lead behind a barrage of three-pointers from players including Millender and Kenny Fields. Otero struggled to find consistent offense against New Mexico’s pressure defense, committing numerous turnovers that the Thunderbirds converted into points.

A three-pointer from Otero’s Noah Banks in the final minute of the first quarter was answered immediately by a Newman Pete layup for New Mexico, cementing their 20-point lead heading into the second period.

Otero showed more fight in the second quarter, but every time the Rattlers threatened to cut into the lead, New Mexico had an answer. The Thunderbirds maintained their offensive production, ensuring the Rattlers never mounted a serious comeback. Chouaybou Keita sealed the final margin with a layup in the closing seconds for New Mexico’s 102nd point.

Otero will look for its first win Saturday when it travels to face New Mexico Military Institute. New Mexico Junior College will host Seward County on Saturday.