Rams notch 65-32 win over NMMI

ROSWELL — It was 12 days since the Portales High Rams had played, coming off home wins over Moriarty and Clovis High on back-to-back nights.

Coach Randy McBroom was hoping to build on that momentum, but the team had since had a couple of games postponed.

On Monday, it looked like the Rams never missed a beat. They cruised to a 65-32 win over New Mexico Military in a game which was to have been played on Friday night, but was moved because of COVID concerns.

McBroom preferred to credit his team’s strong play over anything the Colts (2-6) were doing.

“We played well,” he said. “We hadn’t gotten to play in a week and a half.

“They’re not a bad team. Defensively, we played real well.”

The Rams broke the game open in the second quarter, outscoring the Colts 16-4 to lead by 19 at halftime. Portales converted four of its season-high 10 3-point baskets in the period.

The Rams were determined not to let NMMI gain any momentum.

“On defense, our intensity was good,” McBroom said. “If your defensive intensity is high, and you take care of the ball, you should get a lot of shot attempts.”

Six players had at least one 3 for the Rams, led by senior guard Kaden Hightower with three. The Rams were 10-of-21 from beyond the arc.

Hightower and senior post Greydon Rigsby each finished with 11 points, but nine Rams scored in the game, including three others with eight apiece. Junior Emmanuel Diahn led the team with eight rebounds, while senior guard Alex Garcia was credited with five assists and five steals.

Three players — senior guard Juan Ruelas, junior guard Emiliano Herrera and sophomore center Matthew McCargish — tallied eight points for the Colts.

Portales was to return to the RAC on Tuesday night to play another makeup game, this one against Jal. The Rams open District 4-5A play on Friday at Roswell Goddard.