#6 Red Ravens Survive Double Overtime, Defeat Cloud 100-96

Concordia, Kan. - In a thrilling double-overtime matchup, the #6 NJCAA ranked Coffeyville Community College Men's Basketball team defeated the Thunderbirds of Cloud County 100-96.  With the win, the Raven's overall record improves to 16-1 including a 14-1 mark in Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) play.  The 14-1 conference mark has the Red Ravens in first place in the seven-team KJCCC East division.

In what is seemingly becoming customary, Coffeyville started out slowly in this one finding themselves behind by 13 points (22-9) midway through the first half.  By the end of the first half, Coffeyville was able to overcome the slow start and take a one-point 35-34 halftime lead. 

The second half saw a close affair with each team holding small leads throughout the half.  In total the game had 12 ties and 20 lead changes. In the final minute of regulation, Coffeyville found itself up 71-67 with one minute remaining.  Cloud was able to sink two free throws to close the score to 71-69 with 40 seconds to go.  Raven sophomore Tylor Perry made two free throws with 33 seconds remaining to extend the lead back out to four points 73-69.  Ten seconds later, Cloud made a layup to again close the gap to two points 73-71.  With 15 seconds remaining, Perry is again fouled and this time makes 1/2 for the Ravens to put them up three 74-71.  With six seconds remaining Cloud hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 74-74 and send the game into the first overtime.

In the first overtime, Cloud was able to build a small lead.  In the final minute, Cloud held a 88-84 lead with 35 seconds left to play.  Raven guard Tylor Perry is able to convert two free throws to cut the lead down to two points 88-86.  A foul by Coffeyville at the :31 mark allowed Cloud to go to the free-throw line where they made 1/2 to extend the lead to 89-86.  Coming out of a timeout, Perry is able to sink a 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining to tie the game at 89-89.  Cloud is not able to sink a shot at the buzzer and the game then goes into double overtime.

The second overtime saw the Ravens able to put pressure on the Thunderbirds by maintaining a small 2-4 point lead through the majority of the extra frame.  Free throws were key with Coffeyville hitting 7/8 free throws in the extra frame.  Raven freshman Hayden Brittingham converted two free throws with four seconds remaining to give the Ravens a cushioned four-point lead 100-96.  After a missed Cloud 3-pointer at the buzzer, Coffeyville finally got the 100-96 victory.

Top players for Coffeyville in the game included sophomore Bostyn Holt with 21 points on 9/12 shooting, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots.  Tylor Perry had 20 points including a crucial 11/12 from the free-throw line.  Raven big man Blaise Keita had 15 points and 6 rebounds.  Hayden Brittingham pitched in 12 points along with 6 rebounds and freshman Kevaughn Ellis had 11 points on 5/6 shooting.

After a day or so to catch their breath, the #6 Red Raven Men will be back in action this Saturday, March 20th with a home matchup against the Allen County Red Devils.  Tipoff in Nellis Hall is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.