Box Score CHANUTE, Kan. – Neosho shot a season best 45% from three and five Panthers scored in double figures, but it was not enough Independence stormed back with a late charge to down Neosho 79-69.

For the first 20 minutes the Neosho Panthers came out on fire in the first half connecting on 59% of their field goal attempts including a blistering 8 of 11 from three point range. The Panthers opened up a 13 point lead midway through the half thanks to the hot shooting.

The Pirates would score a bucket right before the half ended to cut the lead to single digits, as the Panthers led 44-36.

The Panthers would cool off from the floor in the second half and Independence chipped away at the lead. Neosho held on to the lead for the first 10 minutes before a run by Independence pushed them ahead. The Panthers would never regain the lead as they struggled to keep Independence off the offensive glass, surrendering 18 offensive rebounds.

Danel Stithem led the Panthers with 18 points on a career high 6 made three pointers. Mackenzie Dunbar added 15 points, Madigan Gonzales had 14, Ashley Grant had 12, and Dena English 10 to round out the double digit scorers.

The Panthers fall to 10-16 on the season and 2-6 in conference play. They will look to snap their five game losing streak Saturday (Feb. 15) when they host No. 22 Cowley at 5:30pm.