Men's Basketball Drops Road Contest at Cloud County

CONCORDIA, Kan. - Colby traded punches early in Saturday (Feb. 7) game and stayed within striking distance in the opening half, but Cloud County's efficiency on the offensive proved too much. The Trojans trailed 44–28 at halftime and were unable to close the gap as Cloud County continued to shoot at a high rate in the second half.

Despite the final margin, Colby had strong individual performances on the offensive end. D.J. Cason led the Trojans with 20 points, shooting 8-of-15 from the floor, while Aliou Diallo added 19 points, knocking down four three-pointers and dishing out five assists. Owen Reece provided a lift off the bench with eight points and four rebounds.

Shooting efficiency proved to be the difference, as Cloud County finished the night shooting 56.1 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three-point range, compared to Colby's 42.2 percent overall shooting. The Thunderbirds also held advantages in the paint (42–30) and on the glass (37–30).

Colby took care of the basketball better in stretches, forcing 15 turnovers and scoring 22 points off turnovers, but struggled to match Cloud County's pace in transition and half-court execution. Both teams received balanced bench production, with Colby totaling 21 bench points.

Cloud County was led by Syncere Burnette, who finished with 21 points, while four Thunderbirds scored in double figures.

The Trojans will look to regroup as they continue conference play next Saturday (Feb. 14) against Coffeyville.