Albert Cesare|Odessa American

Odessa College's Derrick Barden (1) shoots a fade away jump shot over Western Nebraska's Marko Kovacevic (31) and Raul Delgado (22) during the game Monday at Odessa College.

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: OC has milestone, victory in mind

February 15, 2012 11:56 PM

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ODESSA AMERICAN SPORTS

Odessa College sophomore Derrick Barden has a chance to reach 1,000 career points tonight when the Wranglers play New Mexico Junior College at 8:45 p.m. in Hobbs, N.M. Barden has 989 career points and has averaged 17.7 points per game during his junior college career.

If Barden reaches 1,000, he will be the first Odessa College player to achieve the milestone since Larry Johnson played for the Wranglers during the 1987-88 and 1988–89 seasons, according to Odessa College athletic director Wayne Baker.

Barden was named the NJCAA Division I player of the week on Wednesday after posting double-doubles in wins against Midland College and Frank Phillips College.

The game has added significance because New Mexico Junior College and Odessa College are tied for third in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference.

The Wranglers (21-4 overall, 6-3 WJCAC) are coming off an 84-66 home loss to top-ranked South Plains College on Monday. Odessa College dropped from No. 10 to No. 12 in the national NJCAA Division I poll after the loss.

New Mexico Junior College (18-7, 6-3) pulled out a 64-61 win Monday at Midland College for its third straight victory.

The two teams met on Jan. 23 with Odessa College earning a 56-54 win.

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