Hutchinson, Ks. (KFMO) – The Mineral Area Cardinals struggled to find rhythm offensively in the opening round of the NJCAA National Tournament on Saturday as the Monroe Mustangs outlast the Cards 77-72.
Mineral Area (21-12) turned the ball over 22 times and made 25-of-61 shots from the field in the loss. Nazir Allen contributed a game high 26 points, 14 rebounds, and was perfect on eight attempts from the foul line. Terron Garrett had 16 points despite a 6-for-22 output from the field.
Nassir Binion and Lorenzo Shields added 10 points each.
After the loss, MAC head coach Tony Irons says he was proud of the team for reaching the national tournament despite exiting with a sour taste in their mouth.
The Cardinals cut down a 12-point deficit with 8-0 run midway through the second half to cut it to a four-point game. However the Monroe offense maintained pace, powered by Nick Williams who led the Mustangs with 24 points off the bench.
Williams was 12-of-14 from the foul line and collected eight rebounds. Nacier Kirksey finished the game with 18 points and was 50-percent from the field.
Monroe (28-4) notched its 21st straight win and outscored the Cardinals in the paint (48-30), and in fast break scenarios (15-2).
The Mustangs will face defending champions Trinity Valley in the second round on Monday.
Mineral Area was the Region 16 and Midwest District Champions for the first time since 2021. Irons when asked where the program goes from here.
Irons led the program to the national tournament in his second season as head coach. The Cardinals have been to the NJCAA National Tournament five times in program histroy (1977, 2013, 2015, 2021, 2026).
Photo Credit: NJCAA