Men's Basketball Goes 2-0 At Midwest Challenge

The MAC men's basketball team showcased their depth and perseverance at the Midwest Challenge, hosted by Southeastern Iowa Community College in Burlington, Iowa on Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8, securing a pair of key early season wins.

Cardinals 72, #11 Triton College 69 (November 7)

The Cardindals overcame a late Triton surge to hold on for a three-point win. MAC built a 39–30 halftime lead thanks to tough defense and timely shooting, but Triton closed the gap with a strong second half before MAC sealed the game at the line and on the defensive end.

Terron Garrett and Edwon Duling Jr. led the charge, each scoring 16 points, combining for five three-pointers. Nazir Allen anchored the paint with a double-double — 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Off the bench, Ramello Smith added a spark with 7 points and 2 assists, while Ngundeng Ruey chipped in 9 points. The Cardinals shot 39.4% from the field and 36% from three, while holding Triton to just 37.5% overall.

Cardinals 86, Highland College 63 (November 8)

A day later, the Cardinals looked even sharper. Their offense clicked from start to finish, jumping out to a 45–37 halftime lead and never looking back. MAC shot an impressive 49.3% from the field and 56.5% from beyond the arc, connecting on 13 threes in the win.

Bench depth was the story of the game. Ramello Smith and Iziah Purvey led the team with 15 points each.  Nazir Allen continued his strong play with 13 points, while Lorenzo Shields added 10 and Carl Claxton contributed 8.

Point guard Edwon Duling Jr. dishing out 11 assists to go with 4 rebounds. MAC's ball movement produced 22 assists on 33 made field goals.

Defensively, the Cardinals forced 18 Highland turnovers, turning many into fast-break opportunities.

Looking Ahead

With the two wins, Mineral Area improved to 3-2 overall while boasting one of the toughest schedules in the nation.  Up next, the Cardinals will host the Bob Sechrest Classic on Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15.  On Friday, MAC will take on Wabash Valley College at 7pm and on Saturday, the Cardinals will wrap up the classic by taking on Lake Land College at 5pm.  The complete schedule:

November 14

5pm – Three Rivers vs Lake Land College

7pm - MAC vs Wabash Valley College

November 15

3pm – Three Rivers vs Wabash Valley College

5pm - MAC vs Lake Land College