Pratt, KS -- Propelled by an all-around balanced team performance, the Neosho County men's basketball program knocked off the #6 Pratt Beavers in the first round of the Region VI Tournament by a score of 104-90 Wednesday evening at Pratts Beaver Dome.
 
After a back-and-forth opening to the contest, the Panthers put on a shooting display by knocking down 13 of 18 bombs in the first half and taking a 53 to 33 lead at the break. The Panthers we led by Corbett Kimberlin who shot a perfect 9 of 9 from the 3-point line. Kimberlin would finish the night with 39 points, missing only one shot on the night.
 
In the second half the Panthers would sh0ot 50% from the field (15-30), and the same from downtown (5-10).  The Beavers wouldn't go away as they battled back and cut the Panther lead to 15 with 9:25 to play but the Panthers would respond and eventually hang on to advance to the 2nd round of the Region VI playoffs hosted by the Dodge City.
 
KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- For the game, Neosho finished shooting 57.9% (33 of 57) from the field, 64.3% (18 of 28) at the three-point line and 76.9% (20 of 26) from the charity stripe.
-- Corbett Kimberlin would finish with 39 points, Jae-Min Yang added 20 points while Jonathan Breeland Jr. and James Taylor added 11 points each
 
UP NEXT
The Orange and Black head for Dodge City to face the Butler Grizzlies on Sunday, March 1st at 5 pm at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City KS.
 
STAY SOCIAL
For more information, go to www.goneosho.com or follow @GoNeoshoHoops or GoNeosho on Twitter for updates throughout the year.