CHANUTE, KS -- Paced by a career-best 22-point performance out of Daniel Titus, along with some late heroics from Magic Reliford, the Neosho County men's basketball program escaped with a win on Monday evening. The Panthers were victorious over Allen Community College, edging past the Red Devils 65-64.

Despite the Panthers lack of offensive production early in the game, the Panthers would lock up on defense to keep the game close. A late push saw the Panthers take the lead and never look back, until two free-throws from Fred Word would put the Red Devils up 64-63 with just 17.9 left in regulation. In that moment, the Panthers would look to Magic Reliford for the game winner and he would come through with a big layup with 5.3 seconds left in the game. Reliford's bucket would prove to be the difference as the Panthers held on to their 65-64 lead at the final buzzer..

Head Coach Jeremy Coombs on the win, "I thought Allen did a great job defending us and forcing us into tough shots." They are a team that we just don't match up well with but I felt the guys found a way to win. This late in the season we will take wins however we can."

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS

-- For the night, Neosho finished shooting 39.1 percent (25-of-64) from the floor, 38.9 percent (7-of-18) beyond the arc, and 57.10 percent (8-of-14) from the free throw line.

-- With the win, the Panthers move a game ahead of Allen in the KJCCC standings.

-- Daniel Titus, scored a career-high 22 points behind an elite 8-of-12 shooting performance from the field, along with a 3-of-3 showing from behind the arch, while also grabbing a season high 13 rebounds for his first double-double of the season.

-- Meanwhile, Magic Reliford was held to just 6 points on (3-of-14) shooting but no basket bigger than the one he made to put the Panthers on top 65-64 with just 5.3 seconds to play, that ultimately won the game for the Panthers. 

UP NEXT

After the second game in three days, things don't get any easier, as the NJCAA Receiving Votes Butler CC Grizzlies come to town on Wednesday evening for a regularly scheduled game. The Panthers will then turn around Thursday evening for a COVID makeup game, versus the #4 Coffeyville Red Ravens. Wednesday's tip is set for 7:30 PM while Thursday's matchup will be played at 5:30 PM.

Keep up to date with the latest information from the Neosho Panthers at @GoNeoshoHoops on Twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook.