KC men hold on to defeat Paris on the road, 80-76

PARIS, TX --  The Rangers, led by Jaleel Wheeler with 36 points, fought off a second half surge by the Paris Junior College Dragons' offense to preserve a road victory, 80-76.

Wheeler, who has been fighting a leg injury during the last few games, drew fouls constantly against the Dragons, hitting 24-of-27 free throws.

The Rangers were up 45-36 at halftime, but the Dragons chipped away at the KC lead, tying the game up with three minutes left in regulation at 74.

Paris went up on KC 76-78 with 50 seconds left, but Wheeler kept drawing fouls, hitting key free throws at the end of the game to put the Rangers in the lead for good.

Two other players were in double figures for the Rangers with Alassane Kah scoring 17 (4-of-8 from behind the three point line), and Ndene Gueye scoring 10 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.

Paris was led in scoring by Omar Sherman with 14 points, followed by Terrion Bone with 13 points.  Antonio Chapman came off the PJC bench to score 10.

With the win, the KC men improve to 14-6 overall and 4-6 in region XIV play.

The men return to action at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at home to face Panola College in Kilgore.