Men's Basketball Look to Regroup as Conference Play Continues This Week

Colby's men's basketball team will continue KJCCC play this week, traveling to Independence on Wednesday (Jan. 21) before returning home on Sunday (Jan. 25) to host Seward County.

The Trojans enter the week averaging 77.8 points per game, one of the top offensive marks in the conference. D.J. Cason leads Colby in scoring at 14.4 points per game, while also knocking down 2.4 three-pointers per contest.

Colby saw a strong offensive showing last time out against No. 19 Butler, as Giannis Asimakopoulos poured in 21 points on just 11 shots, showcasing his efficiency. Nana Keutcha anchors the glass for the Trojans, averaging 7.1 rebounds per game, with Asimakopoulos close behind at 5.3 rebounds per contest. Rhett Kats has earned the starting nod in recent games and has been a perimeter threat, connecting on seven three-pointers over the last five contests.

Independence enters the matchup with a 9-8 overall record (7-5 KJCCC). The Pirates handed Colby their first conference loss earlier this season, scoring 102 points in the victory. Trae Lewis had a standout performance in that meeting, knocking down seven three-pointers and finishing with 31 points, as Independence shot 48.3 percent from beyond the arc and connected on 14 three-pointers as a team.

The Pirates are led by David Wilson, who averages 17.1 points per game. Freshman Lonnie Bass Jr. controls the paint, pulling down 8.1 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the KJCCC, while also owning the third-best field goal percentage in the conference. Sterling Knox directs the offense, averaging 5.5 assists per game, the second-highest mark in the league.

Seward County comes into Sunday's contest with a 13-5 (8-4 KJCCC) overall record. The Saints defeated Colby 73-56 earlier this season in the Greenhouse, though the Trojans trailed by just five points at halftime. Seward was fueled by an 18-point bench performance from Antonio Williams Jr., who has since emerged as the team's leading scorer despite having started only two games this season. 

The Saints boast three players averaging double figures, making them one of the more balanced offenses in the conference. Lucas N'Gombo leads Seward on the boards at 6.5 rebounds per game, while RJ McKinnie runs the offense, averaging 3.4 assists per contest. Overall, the Saints feature six players averaging six or more points per game, highlighting their depth.

Colby enters the week looking to reset and take steps forward during the back half of conference play. As the KJCCC standings remain tight, every possession and performance will be critical as Colby continues to compete down the stretch.