Seggerman’s Career Night Not Enough as Northeastern Falls to McCook, 62-53

Northeastern Junior College women’s basketball hung close with McCook through much of the first half, but a late second-quarter surge by the visitors proved decisive in a 62-53 Plainswomen loss Saturday night at the Bank of Colorado Event Center in Sterling.

The matchup was tightly contested for most of the opening 20 minutes, with Northeastern matching McCook’s pace on both ends and keeping the deficit within a single possession for long stretches. However, with just under a minute left in the second quarter, McCook strung together a crucial run to stretch a slim advantage into a more comfortable lead heading into halftime, a margin that Northeastern was unable to erase after the break.

The Plainswomen battled defensively to stay in contact early, contesting perimeter shots and limiting second-chance opportunities. That effort allowed Northeastern to trade baskets with McCook and keep the game within reach through much of the first half. But the final minute before halftime swung momentum sharply toward the visitors, as McCook capitalized on a couple of empty Northeastern possessions to extend its lead and, as the game wore on, never looked back.

Offensively, Northeastern’s biggest challenge came in the second half. After a strong opening stretch that produced quality looks in the lane and from the perimeter, the Plainswomen struggled to convert shots after halftime. Longer scoring droughts in the third and fourth quarters allowed McCook to protect and manage its cushion, even as Northeastern continued to compete on the glass and at the defensive end.

Guard Rebekah Seggerman delivered a standout performance for Northeastern, recording a career-high 19 points to go with 10 rebounds for a double-double. Seggerman’s scoring helped keep the Plainswomen within striking distance, particularly in the first half, and her work on the boards was a key part of Northeastern’s effort to neutralize McCook’s interior presence.

Monique Sena added another strong all-around outing with 12 points and seven rebounds, giving Northeastern a reliable secondary scoring option and physical presence on the wing. Forward Daniela Garcia Gasco nearly posted a double-double of her own, finishing with nine points, 10 rebounds and five assists as she facilitated the offense and helped initiate transition opportunities. Madison Sepeda also provided a spark with nine points and three steals, using her activity on the defensive end to generate turnovers and extra possessions.

Despite the 62-53 final, the Plainswomen showed stretches of disciplined half-court defense and strong rebounding that kept them in contention against McCook. As Northeastern moves deeper into conference play, the performance of Seggerman, Sena, Garcia Gasco and Sepeda gives the team a solid foundation to build on, with an emphasis on sustaining offensive execution for all four quarters to turn close first halves into complete 40-minute efforts.