Second-Half Surge by No. 22 Red Ravens Downs Trojans

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — The Colby Trojans men's basketball team faced a difficult road test Saturday afternoon (Dec. 13), falling 93–68 to No. 22 Coffeyville at Nellis Hall in KJCCC action.

Colby stayed competitive early, trading baskets with the Red Ravens throughout the opening half. The Trojans held the lead briefly and showed solid offensive rhythm, scoring 31 first-half points. Coffeyville closed the half on a run, however, to take a 39–31 advantage into the break that included a buzzer beater three by the Red Ravens.

The Red Ravens seized control after halftime, opening the second half with a decisive surge that quickly pushed the margin into double figures. Coffeyville outscored Colby 54–37 in the second half, fueled by second-chance opportunities and significant production from its bench. The Red Ravens finished with a 52–37 rebounding advantage and scored 41 bench points, led by Ke'Bari Lewis, who poured in 18 points on an efficient 4-of-7 shooting effort, including 3-of-5 from three-point range.

Colby shot 35.7 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from beyond the arc, while Coffeyville converted at a 42.0 percent clip and knocked down 12 three-pointers. The Red Ravens also held a notable edge at the free-throw line, finishing 23-of-27 compared to Colby's 10-of-14.

Individually, Owen Reece and Giannis Asimakopoulos led the Trojans with 14 points apiece. Asimakopoulos added eight rebounds and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, while Nana Keutcha anchored the interior with 10 rebounds and three blocks. D.J. Cason chipped in 12 points, and Aliou Diallo added seven. Colby received limited bench production, with Kellan Simoneau leading the reserves and providing a key first-half deep three-pointer that helped keep the Trojans within striking distance.

Coffeyville was led by Daniel Ntambwe, who scored a game-high 23 points, while the Red Ravens' depth proved effective throughout the lineup, with seven players scoring eight or more points. Wamba Ngouateu turned in a strong all-around performance, finishing with eight points, eight rebounds, and five assists in just 18 minutes of action.

The loss drops Colby to 3–10 (1–6 KJCCC), marking the Trojans fifth road setback of the season. Despite the early conference struggles, the KJCCC race remains wide open, with Seward County currently atop the league at 6–2 and four additional teams carrying just two losses. Colby will look to regroup during the break before returning to action at home, opening a stretch at the Colby Event Center against Hutchinson (Jan. 3) and Pratt (Jan. 7).