Full Breakdown
Midland College and Howard College Advance to Region V Finals
3/14/2026, 11:11:05 PM
Semifinal Showdowns
In a competitive display at the Odessa College Sports Center, Midland College and Howard College secured their spots in the Region V men's basketball championship. Midland College, known as the Chaparrals, triumphed over South Plains College with a score of 74-70, while Howard College, referred to as the Hawks, narrowly defeated New Mexico Junior College 73-68 in an overtime thriller. Midland College improved its season record to 27-5, while Howard College now stands at 28-4.
The semifinal match between Midland College and South Plains College was marked by a series of runs. South Plains initially surged ahead with an 8-0 lead, but Midland responded with a 12-0 run, establishing a 35-25 advantage. Despite South Plains cutting the deficit to 37-33 by halftime, Midland regained control with another 12-0 run in the second half. Darius Carr led the Chaparrals with a game-high 19 points, supported by Nayte Spargo's 12 points and Solomon Ominu's contributions of 10 points and seven rebounds.
In the other semifinal, Howard College faced a tightly contested match against New Mexico Junior College. The Hawks took a two-point lead late in regulation, but a foul allowed RJ Nance to tie the game with free throws. The game proceeded to overtime after a missed game-winning shot by Daniel Culberson. Brandon Ivery was pivotal for Howard, scoring 21 points and securing four rebounds, while Kuai Deng nearly achieved a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Key Statistics and Performance
Both teams showcased their shooting abilities, with Midland College achieving a shooting percentage of 51.9%, including 10 of 24 from three-point range. In contrast, Howard College shot 34% overall, making 7 of 21 from beyond the arc. A significant factor in Howard's victory was their performance at the free-throw line, converting 30 of 44 attempts compared to New Mexico's 15 of 23.
Official Statements & Responses
Midland College's coach praised the team's resilience, noting their ability to recover from early deficits. Meanwhile, Howard College's coach highlighted the importance of free-throw success in tight games, emphasizing that their ability to capitalize on turnovers was crucial to their win.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts pointed out that both teams struggled with shooting consistency, particularly Howard College, which shot only 29.7% from the field in their semifinal. Critics argue that this inconsistency could pose challenges in the upcoming championship game.
What's Next
Midland College and Howard College will face off in the Region V finals, where both teams will aim to secure a championship title. The matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams have demonstrated their capabilities in high-pressure situations throughout the tournament.
