Thrilling win for Trojans

After trailing by 11 with under four minutes left, the Colby Community College men's basketball team closed on a 13-1 run to top Independence Community College 72-71 Saturday at the Community Building.     

Now 9-7 on the season and 4-3 in the Jayhawk Conference, Colby led by as many as seven in the first half and were up 38-33 at halftime. Independence (10-7, 5-3) slowly gained control in the early minutes of the second half and took the lead 48-46 with just over 14 minutes in the game.

The gap grew until the Trojans went to work in the final minutes. 

With 3:37 to go, a layup by Craig Beaudion made the score 70-61. The Trojans' full-court press forced Independence into a couple of turnovers and quick shots. Fueled by steals and easy buckets from the backcourt of Beaudion and Javion May, clutch free-throws, and a 3-pointer from 6-foot-6 Eddie Davis, the Trojans climbed to within a point at 71-70 with 1:38 remaining.  

As the Pirates were clinging to a slim lead, Bryce Hatten blocked a shot by Indy's Mamady Djikine on the left block. When Colby got a chance at the offensive end, Beaudion got a high screen and drove the lane for a layup to put the Trojans up 72-71.

Then the Trojan defense came up big again. With two seconds left, the Pirates' Anquaevious Pollard grabbed a loose ball under the basket but his put-back to win the game was denied by Davis to secure the win.     

Three Trojans scored in double-figures, led by May's 17. Rian Carter added 14 and Beaudion finished with 13. Colby struggled from the line, making just 10 of 18 but limited the turnovers to 12.

They have a quick turnaround, as they're in Dodge City Monday for a 7:30 tip with the Conquistadors (6-10, 1-6).