Trojans top Neosho for second time

Five Trojans scored in double digits as the Colby Community College men's basketball team picked up an 86-78 win over Neosho County Community College Saturday night at the Community Building.

For head coach Rusty Grafel, the Trojans did what was necessary.

"We did a good job of bouncing back after our loss at Coffeyville. Our goal was to go on more runs than them and we accomplished that. 

Colby shot 52 percent (34-66) from the floor and tallied 21 assists.

"Having five guys in double figures is always a plus and we are hitting shots in our home gym which is even better."

The Trojans held a slim 45-43 lead entering the break. The Panthers hung around until Braden Larcom hit a 3-pointer with 10:43 remaining to put Neosho up 61-60. That seemed to wake up the Trojans at both ends, as they outscored the Panthers 26-17 down the stretch and secured the win.

Quintavius Eagle  had a double-double off the bench for the Trojans with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Ty Dalton led all scorers with 20 points. David Hall poured in 17 points, while Craig Beaudion added 13 and Xavier Smith tallied 10.

"Our goal is to host the first round of regionals here in Colby," Grafel added. "Winning this game puts us in a very good position to do that!"

Colby is now 18-9 overall and 14-9 in the Jayhawk Conference. The 18 wins this season are one shy of Grafel's high in his six years as head coach of the Trojans. The 2015-16 team went 19-13.

Saturday's win also completed a season sweep for Colby. The Trojans downed the Panthers 63-59 in Chanute on Jan. 3.

Colby is back in action Wednesday night in Liberal. Tip-off against the Seward County Saints (15-12, 11-12) is set for 8 p.m. after the women's game.