WNCC men fall to Lamar 95-90

                LAMAR, Colo. – Michael Connor scored 24 points but it wasn't enough as the Western Nebraska Community College men's basketball team lost to Lamar Community College 95-90 in Region IX South action Saturday evening.

                The loss drops the Cougars to 10-7 on the season and 2-5 in South play while Lamar goes to 2-2 in the South and 11-6 overall.

                Saturday's contest was a contest of runs. WNCC led 46-45 late in the first half before the Runnin' Lopes scored the final four points for a 49-46 halftime lead.

                In the second half, Lamar led 53-52 early before watching WNCC 17-3 to grab a 69-56 lead. WNCC led 83-71 after a RJ Palmer dunk and a Connor 3-pointer. That was when Lamar went on a run that saw the Runnin' Lopes sliced the lead to 85-82.

                WNCC answered to stay in the lead at 9-85 after four points from Connor. Lamar, however, came back with two 3-pointers to take a 92-89 lead and won the game on clutch free throws.

                WNCC had four players in double figures. After Connors' 24 pints, Tyrell Williams pitched in 15, followed by Mason Smith and Michael Sparks each with 11 points.

                Lamar finished the game connecting on 14 3-pointers, six from leading scorer Jon Dunmyer. Wayne Stewart also had seven treys to finish the game with 25 points.

                WNCC will look to get back on track Thursday when they travel to Eastern Wyoming College followed by a game on Saturday against Dawson Community College.