The NOC Mavs (10-1) suffered their first loss of the season to NEO 76-68 in the conference opener Nov. 25
The #12 Mavs jumped out to an early 13-2 first half lead over the Norse but NEO rallied to take a 29-22 first half lead.
Both teams picked up their offensive play in the second half but NOC could never get over the hump. They cut the lead to 33-30 and 37-34 but each time NEO would answer with runs of their own.
NEO built a 60-41 lead with the Mavs rallying in a furious comeback cutting the lead to 62-56 before NEO put the game away with four late free throws winning 76-68.
Demaree King led the Mavs with 23 points while Tyrel Morgan had 15 and JD Ray 12.
NEO 76, Mavs 68
1 2—Total
NEO 29 47-- 76
NOC 22 46-- 68
Mavs—D. King 23, T. Morgan 15, J. Ray 12, D. Bankston 6, A. Lederer 6, M. Crawford 3, P. Grafals 2, S. Grisby 1.