OVERLAND PARK, Kan. The No. 13-ranked Johnson county picked up its third straight win over the past five days, defeating Southeast Community College 68-59 Tuesday night at the JCCC Gymnasium.

Both teams struggled to make baskets in the first half, but the Cavaliers managed to make 11-of-17 free throw attempts to build a 26-19 lead at the break.

With 10 minutes to play, Johnson County built their lead to 10 points at 48-38 but the Bobcats proceeded to go on a 12-2 run to pull even at 50 with 7:38 left in the half.

Like their victory Friday night over Iowa Lakes, the Cavaliers played some of its best basketball down the stretch fueled by two big 3-point baskets by sophomore guard Steven Samuels and freshman forward Tavian Cruse to help JCCC pull away for the nine-point victory. 

Cruse finished the game with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. He hit 5-of-12 shots with a 3-pointer and went 3-for-5 at the free throw line. 

Sophomore guard Mauryon Turner also poured in 14 points, doing his damage at the line hitting 8-of-12 attempts. He was 3-of-7 from the field and grabbed six rebounds.

Samuels finished with 13 points and six rebounds freshman guard Joey Robinson contributed 11 points, eight boards and three assists. 

Viktar Kachalouski led the Bobcats with a game-high 24 points, 20 coming in the second half on 6-of-8 shooting beyond the arc.

Johnson County (4-1) returns to the hardwood this weekend when the host Palm Beach State College (3-1) on Friday night at 7:30 p.m., and Rock Valley College (3-2) Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.