Chanute, KS – The Panthers got back on the winning track Wednesday evening as they beat the Cowley Tigers 71-61. The Panthers had a big night from freshman small forward Samson Kohman as he led all scoring with 21 points and pulled in 6 rebounds.
 
"I thought Samson was amazing tonight." Said coach Jeremy Coombs "Not only did he lead us in scoring, but he rebounded, played great defense and did all the little things to help the team win."
 
Neosho held Cowley to just 35.9 percent shooting and 25.9 percent from behind the three-point line.
 
We have put a lot of focus into our defense over the last three weeks and the guys are really buying in. Said Coombs "Anytime you hold a team like Cowley to 61 points you are really getting after it defensively."
 
Panthers took an early lead and went up 25-15 but Cowley went on a 13-3 run to end the first half and tied the game up 28-28 as the teams went into the locker room at half.
 
Both teams battled back and forth for the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half but Montrell Dixson hit a pair of free throws off of a flagrant foul by Cowley's Darnell Cowart and then off the retaining position Samson Kohman knocks down a big three pointer to put the Panthers go back on top 52-50. This series ended up ultimately giving the Panthers the momentum to push past Cowley as Neosho went on a 10-0 run over the next two minutes. Cowley forced to foul but the Panthers knocked down free-throws to put the Tigers away 71-61. 

Next up the Panthers head north to cross county rival Allen County this Saturday, tip is set for 4pm.
 
Stat line:
Samson Kohman 21pts on 8-11 shooting.
Austin Downing…11pts on 5-14 shooting.
Tevin Downing…11pts on 3-7 shooting.