JUCO Playoffs: Dodge City Holds On

SALINA, Kan. -- Dodge City opened up a 10 point halftime lead, and built on that advantage throughout the second half before settling for an 81-71 victory over Independence C.C. on Sunday at the Region VI quarters.

Leading 37-27 at the break, the Conquistadors opened the second half with a 14-7 run to extend the lead to 51-34 with 11:44 to play on a basket by forward Kerbrell Brown.

Independence pulled to within 10 points on a few occasions in the final eight minutes, but each time Dodge City responded with key baskets to quell any hopes of a Pirate rally.

The Conqs' big three sophs -- Todd Okeson, Steve Rausch and Brown -- all hit for double figures in the victory. Okeson, an offensive minded point guard, tallied 16 points, while Rausch and Brown added 18 and 19 points, respectively. Freshman off guard David Truesdale also hit for double figures with 13 points.

Guards Chris Meeks and Chuck Smith paced the Indy attack with 14 points each as the Pirates stayed within striking distance by hitting 14 of 33 attempts from beyond the three point arc.

Indy's 6-9 freshman center Nathaniel Lofton chipped in 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks before fouling out of the contest in the second half.

Dodge City, which advanced to the Region VI semis for the second straight year, will face Coffeyville on Tuesday at the Bicentennial Center.