INDEPENDENCE, Kan - The Independence Men’s Basketball team went toe to toe with one of the nations best, but fell short on Wednesday evening, falling to fifth-ranked Connors State 70-64.

With a chance for their first signature win of the season, the Pirates started the game strong, making some defensive adjustments that paid dividends as they held the Cowboys to just 29% shooting in the first half en route to a 34-31 lead. The 31 points is a season best for the Pirates defensively. Offensively the Pirates shot the ball at a slightly better clip through the first 20 minutes at 36% including a perfect eight for eight from the free throw line.

Like all good teams do, the Cowboys made the necessary adjustments in the second half and were able to shoot 52% from the field on their way to 39 second half points. The Pirates remained consistent with their shooting all night as they were 38% from the field in the second half, but only had 30 points to show for it. 

The Pirates were able to push their lead to five about midway through the second half, but a 9-2 run by the Cowboys swung the game into their favor and the National Runner Ups from a year ago were able to pull away down the stretch, icing the game with clutch defensive stops and makes at the free throw line. 

David WIlson and Sterling Knox led the way with 15 points and 14 points respectively, while Lonnie Bass Jr also finished in double figures and recorded his first double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Sekou Kourouma pitched in nine points off the bench. 

The Pirates, now 1-2 on the year, head to Kansas City this weekend for their final two non-conference games. Friday they will take on North Central Missouri, followed by a game with Metropolitan on Saturday.