Balanced scoring, strong start lift Northeastern JC past Southeast 76-62

Northeastern Junior College used a balanced offensive attack and a fast start to earn a 76-62 home win over Southeast on Sunday at the Bank of Colorado Event Center in Sterling.

The Plainswomen seized control early, building a multi-possession lead in the first quarter behind aggressive guard play and interior touches that set the tone on both ends of the floor. Northeastern’s starting unit drove the outcome throughout, with all five starters finishing in double figures as the team maintained control after halftime and kept Southeast at arm’s length in the fourth quarter.

Forward Daniela Garcia turned in a standout all-around performance, recording 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists to anchor Northeastern on both ends. Her work on the glass limited Southeast to one shot on many trips, while her passing helped keep the ball moving side to side and created high-percentage looks for teammates. Garcia’s presence was especially important during Southeast’s second-half pushes, as she repeatedly secured key defensive rebounds to end possessions.

In the backcourt, guard Madison Sepeda led all scorers with 19 points, pacing the Plainswomen’s perimeter attack. Sepeda consistently found gaps in the Southeast defense, knocking down jumpers and attacking closeouts to get into the lane. Her scoring helped Northeastern answer Southeast runs, particularly in the third quarter when the visitors looked to trim the deficit with increased pressure.

Guard Yaly Ben Harush added 13 points, giving Northeastern another reliable option on the perimeter. With the starters all reaching double figures, the Plainswomen were able to spread the floor, share the ball and force Southeast to defend multiple threats. That balance showed in key stretches, as different players stepped up with timely baskets to restore momentum whenever Southeast threatened to close the gap.

Defensively, Northeastern’s energy on the ball and commitment to team rebounding limited Southeast’s rhythm for much of the night. The Plainswomen held Southeast to 62 points, closing out shooters on the perimeter and contesting drives at the rim. Northeastern also converted defensive stops into transition opportunities, helping create separation in the first half and maintain it down the stretch.

With the victory, Northeastern continues its early conference stretch with momentum and a clear formula for success: balanced scoring from the starting group, strong rebounding and consistent defensive pressure. The Plainswomen will look to carry that blueprint into their upcoming road contests as they move deeper into the January schedule.