Trojans Fall to Lamar, Turn Focus to Barton Classic This Weekend

COLBY, Kan. — The Colby Community College men's basketball team came up short Tuesday (Nov. 11) night, falling 88-77 to Lamar Community College inside the Colby Event Center. Despite several strong individual performances and a solid showing on the boards, the Trojans couldn't overcome Lamar's hot shooting and timely runs in the second half.

Colby (2-2) traded baskets early with the Lopes and trailed by just a few possessions for most of the night, but turnovers and defensive lapses in key stretches proved costly. The Trojans shot 39.4% (28-of-71) from the field and 28.6% (8-of-28) from three-point range, while Lamar capitalized on Colby's 16 turnovers to keep momentum on its side. The Trojans showed stretches of strong execution, including a 10-2 run to close the first half, Lamar's consistent perimeter shooting and transition play made the difference

Off the bench, Owen Reece led the Trojans with a breakout performance, scoring 19 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting and pulling down six rebounds. The redshirt freshman provided a major spark offensively, keeping Colby within striking distance throughout the second half.

Sophomore guard D.J. Cason added 13 points, connecting on both of his three-point attempts and going a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, while also dishing out five assists to pace the Trojans' offense. Giannis Asimakopoulos chipped in 12 points, six rebounds, and two steals, showing his versatility on both ends of the floor, and Elias Agba delivered 12 points and three rebounds off the bench, converting 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Inside, Nana Keutcha anchored the paint with a double-digit rebounding effort, hauling in 10 boards to go along with six points. Gabe Njenga added six points and six rebounds, continuing to provide steady two-way play on the wing.

The Trojans won't have long to dwell on the loss as they hit the road for the Barton Classic in Great Bend this weekend, a key early-season test before conference play begins.

On Friday (Nov. 14) at 7:30 p.m., Colby faces Northern Oklahoma College–Tonkawa, then closes the weekend on Saturday (Nov. 15) at 3 p.m. against Northern Oklahoma College–Enid. The Trojans will use the Barton Classic to fine-tune before starting KJCCC play next Wednesday (Nov. 19) at home against Independence Community College at 7:30 p.m. inside the Colby Event Center.