Offensive Woes Cost Ocelots In Opening Game

JOPLIN, MO – The Ocelots opened the 2025 NJCAA D2 National Championship Tournament with the first game as the 13^th seed against the 20^th seed North Platte Community College.

The 9AM local time start could have affected both teams throughout the day. On the offensive end, for both teams, it could be a struggle. In the 1^st quarter, both teams would shoot over 40% but both teams would combine for 11 turnovers with 6 on the Ocelots side. For Schoolcraft on the 1^st half, Sharon Smith and Siena McNitt would each have 8 points to pace the offense, which only scored 28 points. Luckily, the defensive end would be up for the challenge as the Ocelots would hold North Platte to just 30 points.

North Platte would extend their lead in he 3^rd quarter as the Ocelots would shoot just 27% with 6 turnovers on their way to just 10 points. Schoolcraft would try and fight back in the 4^th quarter, outscoring North Platte 24-18, but their deficit would be just too much.

Schoolcraft will close out their season on Wednesday against a familiar opponent in SUNY Niagara at 10 AM EST. The Ocelots knocked off Niagara by a score of 80-44 back in December.