LA JUNTA, Colo. (Interstat) — The Otero College Rattlers defeated the Lamar Community College Runnin’ Lopes 72-65 in a men’s junior college basketball game Saturday.

Otero, which improved to 3-15, used a strong first quarter to build a 38-23 lead. Lamar, which fell to 8-12, rallied to outscore Otero in the second quarter but could not overcome the early deficit. The Rattlers’ victory defied pregame projections that heavily favored Lamar. Key performances fueled the home win, though specific statistics were not provided. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Lamar on Feb. 21.