COFFEYVILLE, Kan. - The Independence Men’s Basketball team suffered their first KJCCC loss of the season at the hands of rival Coffeyville, as they fell on the road 99-76 Saturday evening.

The two teams came into the big rivalry game on opposite ends of their conference openers as the Pirates went on the road and knocked off Colby while the 3rd-ranked Red Ravens dropped their opener to Butler back on Wednesday.

The Pirates, finally back to full strength with a few of their guys returning from early season injuries, jumped out to a great start on the road as they opened up a nine point lead a little over halfway through the first half at 30-21. From that point on, the number three team in the country turned it up on both sides of the ball, attacking the hoop and getting to the free throw line numerous times down the stretch of the game. A 20-10 run to finish the half gave the Red Ravens a one point lead at the break. 

The Red Ravens maintained their momentum into the second half as they quickly pushed their lead to double digits, and never looked back, outsourcing the Pirates in the second half 58-36. The Pirates were never able to cut the lead back to single digits, as the Red Ravens continued to make shots and get themselves to the free throw line as they ultimately went 27-39 from the charity stripe to ice the game down the stretch. 

After the hot shooting start, the Pirates did cool off a bit, as they ended the day shooting 46% from the field but only 27% from deep. The Red Ravens did slightly out-rebound the Pirates at 35-30, and also had 43 bench points to the Pirates 31. 

Indy was led by sophomore and SIU-Edwardsville commit, David Wilson, who had 17 points, while Sterling Knox also finished in double figures with 15. Xavier Miller had 11 points off the bench, while Zion Dixon had nine points and added six rebounds. 

The Pirates have no time to dwell on the tough loss, as they now prepare for another tough opponent in Hutchinson on Tuesday, for their conference home opener.