No. 20 Paris men outlast Rangers, 75-71

KILGORE, TX -- The Kilgore College men fought hard for 40 minutes but just came up short Jan. 27 against the No. 20 Paris Junior College Dragons, narrowly losing 75-71.

KC led by as many as 12 points in the first half, but the Dragons quickly made up ground to regain the lead before halftime.

Darrian Grays cut that lead to one point, 38-37, by sinking a long three pointer at the buzzer before intermission to give the Rangers momentum going into the second half.

In the second half, the Rangers got close but just couldn't quite catch up to the nationally ranked Dragons.

Paris, up by two points with 10 seconds left, was fouled and made one-of-two free throws to give the Rangers one last chance.

KC inbounded the ball but couldn't get a good three-point look and had to settle for a drive.  The shot was blocked and rebounded by Paris.  KC fouled and Paris made one-of-two free throws with no time on the clock to defeat the Rangers, 75-71.

KC was led in scoring by Chad Bowie with 19 points.  Demiere Brown came off the Ranger bench to earn a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.  Daytone Jennings was also in double figures with 13 points for KC.

Paris' Leon Redd led all scorers with 24 points (4-of-7 three-pointers) and Reggie Tharp scored 14 for the Dragons.

With the loss, KC drops to 12-7 overall and 4-6 in Region XIV play.

Paris improves to 19-2 overall and 9-2 in conference play.

KC's next game is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, in Carthage versus Panola College.