Mens basketball romp Spokane

The number three-ranked NIC mens basketball team appeared to have little difficulty dispatching fifth-ranked Spokane at Christianson gymnasium Wednesday night.

Emmitt Taylor III and others watch a three point shot in the second half. NIC’s offense has run through the NWAC without much resistance, and as a result are in the top five in the league in multiple statistical categories, including points (second), points-per-game (first), FG percentage (second), rebounds-per-game (third) and blocks-per-game (fifth).

As per usual the Cards led virtually from start to finish, and only trailed Spokane for a total of 13 seconds early on in the first half. The Cards thoroughly dominated Spokane in every major statistical category, and looked like the superior team the entire game.

The Cards were fueled by a ferocious defense that forced 14 turnovers and came up with 11 blocks. Defense has been one of NIC’s biggest strengths all season, and they currently lead the NWAC in steals per game 10.4 and are seventh in blocks per game with three and a half.

Leading the way for the Cards offensively was Nate Pryor, who came one assist shy of recording a triple-double with 23 points, nine assists and 11 rebounds, which were all team highs. Christian Guess and Emmitt Taylor III each had 14 points, and Yusuf Mohamed had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The victory puts NIC in sole possession of first place in the East region, and improves their winning streak to nine games.

Up next for the Cards (7-0, 19-1) is a game at Yakima Valley (5-2, 8-10) Saturday Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. NIC then returns home to play Treasure Valley (3-3, 10-7) Saturday Feb. 1 at 4 p.m.