OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Johnson County men's basketball team trailed Neosho County by a point after 20 minutes, but the Cavaliers defensively stymied the Panthers in the second half, holding them to just 14 points on their way to a 70-51 victory.
The 10th-ranked Cavaliers remain unbeaten and on top of the standing in the D-II Kansas Jayhawk race, improving to 8-0 and 20-3 overall.
Sophomore guard Steven Samuels led the way with 22 points and freshman forward Tavian Cruse picked up his ninth double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Sophomore guard Mauryon Turner came in off the bench to score 14 points, hitting 5-of-7 shots with a 3-pointer, and was 3-of-4 at the free throw line.
Neosho County was led by Michael Doria with 12 points, followed by Damian Jones with 11.
Johnson County will return to the floor on Saturday, February 8 when they host Kansa City Kansas. Opening tip is scheduled for 4 p.m.