PHOENIX, Ariz. - Northern New Mexico College continued its perfect start to Cal Pac Conference play with a 75-64 victory over Stanton on Saturday afternoon at Nelson University's Scott Activity Center. The Eagles improved to 5-8 overall and 2-0 in its inaugural season in the Cal Pac Conference.
 
Diego Sharp provided the spark off the bench, leading all scorers with 21 points on efficient 8-of-13 shooting while adding six rebounds. TJ Sanchez complemented Sharp's performance with 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting, connecting on three three-pointers and grabbing three rebounds. Jesus Mendoza contributed 11 points, three rebounds and a pair of steals in the winning effort.
 
Northern New Mexico shot 41.8 percent from the field (28-of-67) and connected on 10-of-36 three-point attempts for 27.8 percent. The Eagles dominated the free-throw line, converting 9-of-11 attempts for 81.8 percent.
 
The Eagles controlled most of the game after leading 33-29 at intermission, outscoring the Mustangs 42-35 in the final 20 minutes. Northern New Mexico's largest lead reached 17 points in the second half as the team pulled away for the comfortable victory.
 
"It felt good to start our inaugural conference season in the Cal Pac on the right note," said head coach Michael Dominguez. "We have been talking about these games all season as a team and wanted to be playing our best basketball by this time and heading into February. Our guys have stayed the course and been bought-in since day one. I am happy for them – they deserve this past weekend but we can't be satisfied and are looking forward to our next conference games."
 
Northern New Mexico will continue conference play with games on Jan. 29 against Pacific Union and Jan. 31 against Simpson. Both games will be played at Nelson University in Phoenix.