(March 8, 2012) -- The McLennan Highlanders season came to an end with a 70-62 loss to the New Mexico Thunderbirds this afternoon in the opening round of the Region V Tournament in Lubbock.

MCC led 14-11 with 8:18 to play in the first half. The Highlanders used a 7-0 run in the next three minutes to take the 21-11 lead with just under six minutes to go in the half and held the 27-21 advantage at the break.

New Mexico fought back, taking the 39-38 lead with 11:22 remaining in the game. The two teams traded the lead for the next three minutes. MCC extended their lead to seven with 5:23 on the clock but the Thunderbirds weren't done. New Mexico went on a 14-0 run to take the 65-58 lead with one minute to play and the Highlanders were unable to recover.

Sophomore Jeffery Ricard led the Highlanders with 31 points.

The Highlanders end the season with an overall record of 23-8.