Northwest College’s men’s basketball team celebrated two things Saturday: its sophomore class and its first region win of 2021.

On Thursday, the Trappers fell 86-73 against Casper College, but two days later, on sophomore day, they defeated Central Wyoming 101-91 for their first Region IX win of the year. 

Strong shooting paved the way for NWC against the CWC Rustlers on Saturday, shooting 47.7% from the field. Though it was never lopsided, the Trappers were able to consistently hold a lead, thanks to an early cushion and stellar shooting from deep in the first half (41.7%). 

CWC got within six points in the final minutes, but clutch free throw shooting and stingy defense down the stretch helped the Trappers prevail. 

“Our guys went on a defensive run and were able to hold them at bay,” NWC head coach Jay Collins said.

All five Trapper starters finished the game in double figures, as well as sophomore Jahquel Goss, who netted 10 points off the bench. Jerome Mabry was the offensive leader, notching 32 points, while Seyi Oyeku and Gabriel Gutierrez added 22 and 17, respectively.

In addition to his 22 points, Oyeku had five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Oyeku’s role has been much larger than expected this year, due to a leg injury to point guard Alan Swenson in the season’s first weekend.

“It has been a huge development,” Collins said of Oyeku’s play. “He got his chance and has proven himself. That’s a credit to him for sticking to it and never complaining.”

It was the final Saturday game at Cabre Gym for Mabry and Goss, as well as Hayden Peterson, Jacob Schilder and Jaren Fritz, who missed the game due to a concussion. Collins noted the “heart” of the sophomore group, which excelled in the win. 

Against Casper on Thursday, the Trappers didn’t have the same success. NWC shot below 40% in the loss, allowing the Thunderbirds to take a sizable lead early. At the break, they led 57-35. 

While the Trappers played better in the second half, the gap proved too wide, as Casper escaped with a 13-point win. It marked NWC’s fifth loss of Region IX play. 

Oyeku led NWC in this game, scoring 17 points, while Mabry and Andre Loigu had 15 each. Gutierrez also ended in double figures in boards, collecting 10 rebounds. 

After the 1-1 weekend, NWC is 7-9 overall and 1-5 in Region IX play. The Trappers now set their sights toward their next opponents: Laramie County and Western Wyoming, which they play Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. 

Now with a league win under their belts, Collins hopes the Trappers have momentum as they head into the last four games of the regular season.

“We’ve now proven that we can get over the hump,” Collins said. “Hopefully our guys realize we were in some of those five losses. It should be confidence and momentum.”

Casper 86, Northwest 73

Points — Seyi Oyeku 17, Jerome Mabry 15, Andre Loigu 15, Hayden Peterson 12, Gabriel Gutierrez 7, Jahquel Goss 7;

Rebounds — Gutierrez 10, Oyeku 5, Peterson 4, Loigu 3, Mabry 3, Goss 3;

Assists — Oyeku 5;

Steals — Oyeku 4

Northwest 101, Central Wyoming 91

Points — Mabry 32, Oyeku 22, Gutierrez 17, Loigu 10, Peterson 10, Goss 10;

Rebounds — Gutierrez 9, Oyeku 9, Mabry 9, Peterson 4, Goss 2, Loigu 1, Jacob Schilder 1;

Assists — Oyeku 5, Gutierrez 4