HOBBS, N.M. (Interstat) — The New Mexico junior college men’s basketball team used a powerful second-half performance to pull away from Ranger for an 86-58 victory on Saturday.

The Thunderbirds led 44-27 after a high-scoring first quarter and maintained control throughout. New Mexico improved its season record to 8-1 with the win, while Ranger fell to 4-8.

Ladji Coulibaly led a balanced New Mexico attack. Rashad Bryant was the top performer for the Rangers.

New Mexico shot efficiently from the floor to secure the victory, which was widely expected as statistical models gave the Thunderbirds an 82% probability to win.