Box Score Off to their first 0-3 start to conference play under Jeremy Coombs, the Panthers were in desperate need of a win Wednesday (Jan. 16) night. Led by Keegan Oyugi's career high 13 points, Neosho County downed rival Allen Community College 69-64 for their first KJCCC win of the season.
 
The Panthers were forced to play without their second leading scorer as Jamie Batish had to travel home to Australia for a family matter. In his absence Keegan Oyugi helped carry the scoring load. The Wichita, Kansas native had scored in double figures only one time coming in to the game but finished with 13 points on 6-7 shooting to go with 3 assists in the win.
 
The first half of the game was a tight contest as neither team led by more than 5 points. A pair of 3's from Allen's Seth Walden put the Red Devils up 5 before a lay in from Oyugi at the end of the first half cut the lead to 3.
 
The Panthers regained control early in the second half as they opened the half on a 20-8 run. Once they regained the lead they would never give it back. They would lead by as many as 12 before Allen would go on a run of their own. The Red Devils would cut the lead to 3 points with 17 seconds left before the Panthers put it away at the free throw line.
 
Oyugi's 13 points led four Panthers in double figures. Jalen Jones scored 11 and Jeremy Nolen and D'Marco Smith each added 10 points and 7 rebounds. It was Smith's first game back from injury since December 3 against Butler Community College.
 
The Panthers improve to 8-8 on the season and 1-3 in Jayhawk Conference play. Their next action will be Saturday (Jan. 19) when they host the Labette Cardinals at 7:30pm.