On Saturday afternoon New Mexico Military Institute made the trip to Tohatchi, NM for the first round of the NMAA Class 3A Championships. Despite a close first half, the Colts suffered a 61-50 defeat on the road. With the loss, NMMI concludes the season with a 17-10 overall record. With the win, Tohatchi advanced to the state quarterfinal on Tuesday in Rio Rancho, NM.

In the first minutes of the game, Tyler Colburn made his presence felt as he drilled two shots from deep to get the scoring started. Vinicius Diaz added in six quick points, but that would prove to be his only points of the half. NMMI forced a couple of quick turnovers in the first period as they took a 16-8 lead after the first eight minutes of action. For Tohatchi, Myka Candelaria scored eight points for the Cougars.

Down by eight points Tohatchi came out in the second quarter with another gear. The Cougars outscored NMMI in the second period 22-12. Four different Colts scored in the period. Tyler Colburn led the way for NMMI with four points in the frame. 16 of the 22 Tohatchi points came from the duo of Nash Brewer and Myles Candelaria as they each knocked down shots from behind the arc. The Colts trailed 30-28 heading into the half.

Coming out of halftime the Colts scored seven total points in the third period. Mihail Parada tallied five of those seven points for the Colts. On the other hand, Tohatchi established some offensive rhythm as they scored 18 points in the third quarter. This time, five different players scored for Tohatchi as Myka Candelaria scored another eight points to lead the way. After 24 minutes, Tohatchi enjoyed a 48-35 advantage.

Ahead by double-digits, Tohatchi used the final quarter to run time off the clock. The Colts were able to outscore the Cougars 15-13 in the final eight minutes, but it would not be enough. Tohatchi was able to hold on to their double-digit lead and secure the 61-50 win.

Tyler Colburn led all NMMI scorers with 13 points while both Ben Parks and Vinicius Diaz scored eight points each.