KILGORE, TX -- Kilgore College's Jairus Stevens made probably the play of the game with a steal and a dunk at the other end to give the Rangers some momentum after a fierce Paris Junior College comeback Feb. 27 in Masters Gymnasium.

Despite being behind by 18 points early in the second half, the Dragons nipped away at the KC lead but came up just short, losing 58-57, ending Paris' season.

With KC ahead by only a point, Stevens stole a Dragon pass and dunked the ball at the other end with 1:43 left in the game to give the Rangers a 56-53 lead and some momentum.

Paris responded with a layup by Reggie Daniels II, assisted by Jalon Pipkins, to get back within one point, 56-55, with 1:20 left in the contest.

After KC was called for a traveling violation, Paris took its first lead of the game, 57-56, with a midrange jump shot by Pipkins with 46 seconds to play.

Pipkins led all scorers with 22 points.

On the next KC possession, Jordyn Owens was fouled with 23.6 seconds left. 

He missed both free throws, but the ball was rebounded by Demiere Brown who made a nice pass to Stevens who scored under the basket to take back the Ranger lead, 58-57, with 11 seconds left in the contest.

In the waning seconds, Paris inbounded the ball and got two shots off, but both shots were no good.

Demiere Brown led KC in scoring with 19 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

Rodrigue Tha Andela was also in double figures for KC with 15 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Stevens scored 10 points for KC and had a steal and a blocked shot.

Darrian Grays scored 6 points and Kaleb Flavors and Michael Asante each scored two points for the Rangers.

KC ends the regular season at 18-11 overall and 9-9 in Region XIV play.

Paris ends its season at 5-24 overall and 3-14 in conference. 

The Rangers advance to the Region XIV Basketball Tournament beginning Tuesday, March 5, in Shreveport (La.) at Centenary College.

Game time Tuesday in Shreveport is 1 p.m. Opponent is TBA.