Trojans edge Otero in basketball opener

The Colby Community College men's basketball team opened the season with a 78-74 win over the Otero Junior College Rattlers Tuesday night at the Colby Event Center, marking the first victory for Trojans' first-year head coach Jerrod Stanford.

Despite Colby expanding a 13-point halftime lead to 22 in the second half, Otero rallied to trail 75-74 with under a minute to play. However, a couple of made free throws and a late Rattlers' turnover sealed a Trojans win.

Anthony Sellars paced CCC with 21 points, and Mike Bell contributed 17 of his 20 in the first half. Josh O'Garro posted a double-double, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds. 

LaSon Walker and Ikechi Chantilou led Otero with 19 points each, and Kyrie Thomas added 12. 

The Trojans return to action Friday in a 7:30 p.m. tip against Air Force Prep and again Saturday at 4 p.m. with Lamar Community College. Both games are at the Event Center.