INDEPENDENCE, Kan. - The Independence Men’s Basketball team snapped their season long three game losing streak by knocking off Colby, 83-72 on Wednesday night. 

From the start the Pirates ratcheted up the defensive intensity as they forced 23 turnovers that they converted into 31 points, while holding the Trojans to 13% from the three point line. 

The Pirates turned out a solid night offensively as well, finishing an even 50% from the field and 35% from deep. 

A very back and forth first half saw the score tied in the final minutes of the first frame, Indy finished the first half with four unanswered points, and then scored the first seven points of the second half to push their lead all the way out to 11. 

The Pirates would keep the Trojans at bay for the rest of the second half, as the closest Colby was able to close the gap was four, at the six minute mark. 

The Pirates would close out the final minutes on a 17-10 to pull away for the 11 point victory, finalizing the season sweep of the Trojans. 

David Wilson finished the night with a game high 24 points, while Sterling Knox had a near triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Trae Lewis and Trashaun Combs-Pierce also finished in double digits with 13 points and 12 points respectively. Giali Chapman provided a nice spark off of the bench in his first game action of the season, finishing with seven points. 

The Pirates, now 8-5 in conference play, shift their focus to a rematch with cross-county rival Coffeyville, currently scheduled for Saturday. The Pirates fell to the Red Ravens, 99-76, back on November 22nd.