Panthers beat Butler and make History
Neosho County Athletics

Park City, KS - Win and advance or lose and go home. "It's that time of year. Said Head coach Jeremy Coombs "At this point it doesn't matter how you get it done as long as you survive and that's what our guys did."  The Panthers got off to a slow stat and found them selves down 24-38 with 3:34 left in the first half. Following a Neosho time out the Panthers would outscore Butler 10-2 the rest of the first half and went to the locker room down 34-40.

The Panthers came out in the second half with a chip on their shoulder and continued to chip away and the Butler lead. With 16:40 left in the game Tucker Thompson hit a 3 to take the lead and the Panthers never looked back. 

Butler would make it interesting as they hit two 3's late to get within two points at 80-78 but Neosho made free throws down the stretch to close out the game and give the Panthers an 82-78 victory.

With the victory the Panthers move to 28-5 on the season and break the schools all time single season win record. The 27 win record was held by the 97-98 and the 99-00 Panther teams. "This team is very much deserving of this record." Coach Jeremy Coombs said "These guys have worked, sacrificed and played as a team all season long and now their hard work is etched into the Neosho history books."

The Panthers will now face #7 Hutchinson Community College at 7 pm tonight at Hartman Arena with an automatic berth to NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson on the line.