Arkansas City, KS. – The Neosho Panthers  free-throw woes that proved to be its downfall in a 87-80 Jayhawk East loss at Cowley Wednesday night. With the loss, the Panthers fell to (11-8) overall and (4-5) in conference action.

Early in the game, the Panthers were able to overcome their turnovers and only trailed the host Tigers 11-10. However, Cowley went on a 11-2 run over the last 4:34 to take a 41-30 lead after the first half of play.

In the second half Neosho would make several runs but every time the Tigers had an answer and would make a run of their own. With 8:14 left in the game the Panthers would make a 10-0 run and cut the Tigers lead to 3. But missed free throws by the Panthers would ultimately be the dagger that would put the Panthers away for good.

The Panthers shot 45 percent (23-51) from the field, 44.4 percent from long range and just 56 percent (26-46) from the free throw line. While the Tigers shot 38.7 percent (24-62) from the field, 34.6 percent (9-26) from deep and 78.9 percent (30-38) from the free throw line.

Panther scoring came from Jae-Min Yang 19pts, Sai Fisher 19pts, Davion Benton 16pts and Brian Tolefree 13pts.

STAT OF THE GAME

Panthers lost by 7pts and missed 20 free throws. (26-46)