STERLING, Colorado – In a game that featured a litany of new faces in the rotation, the Laramie County Community College Golden Eagles could not sink free throws and fell 71-55 on the road to Northeastern Junior College at Bank of Colorado Arena in Sterling on Tuesday.

Freshman forward Cortney Dean (Denver, Colorado) led the way for the Golden Eagles (1-2) in his third game with 12 points and fellow freshman Mateo Zovko (Mostar, Bosnia) and Tyrese Potoma (Regina, Canada) added 11 in the loss. Dean made five field goals and shot 41.6 percent on his field goal attempts.

It didn't get off to quick start for the Golden Eagles as the Plainsman jumped out early to a double-digit lead in the first 10 minutes of action. Laramie County pushed late in the first half and got back within five at the half trailing 31-26.

The rebounding edge went to NJC who outrebounded the Golden Eagles 46-42 but LCCC had the advantage in offensive rebounds 10-7. LCCC did not shot well from the perimeter going 4-for-22 for 18.2 percent while Northeastern was 7-for-19 for 36.8 percent. Free throws hurt LCCC as they went 13-for-27 for 48.1 percent.

LCCC returns to action on Friday, Nov. 9, playing North Platte Community College at 7:30 p.m. in the RAC at home.