Rangers lose first game of season in conference opener

KILGORE, TX -- The Rangers struggled against a strong Lee College offensive attack despite KC's Jaleel Wheeler being the game's leading scorer with 29 points.

The game was very even in several categories, including points off turnovers that the Rangers actually led 14-13.  Also, both teams were very good at the free throw line with KC knocking down 88 percent of its free throws and Lee hitting 80 percent of free throw attempts.

The Lee Rebels just went on a run in the first half that the Rangers couldn't recover from.  Going into halftime with a 51-29 deficit, KC got to within 9 points several times in the second half, but that was as close as they would get.

Besides Wheeler, KC only had one other player in double figures -- Alassane Kah with 12 points.  

Lee had four players with double figures.  Duop Reath had 24 points and was tough to guard the entire game with his athleticism and accurate shooting. Tony Farmer had 19, Andre Edwards had 15 and Tim Coleman had 12 points.

With the loss, KC drops to 7-1 overall and 0-1 in Region XIV play.

Their next game is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, in Beeville versus Coastal Bend College.