KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On Wednesday night the Kansas City Kansas Community College men's basketball team was unable to overtake the lead late as they battled Metropolitan Community College. The Blue Devils cut the deficit to as little as three points on multiple occasions, but fell 79-76.

KCKCC is now 8-6 overall on the season.

Bradley Lightbourne and Cortez Howlett got the scoring started with consecutive baskets as the Blue Devils had a 4-0 lead. Both teams traded baskets and the Blue Devils were able to increase their lead to six points after Shayon Janloo made a basket, making it 23-17 KCKCC. Metropolitan CC was able to climb back and take the lead with four minutes left at 32-31 before extending the lead to eight points at 43-35 at halftime.

The second half had its moments for the Blue Devils as they continued to try to chip away. Howlett made two free throws with 14:33 left as MCC led 49-45, but KCKCC was never able to regain the lead. The Blue Devils would come close as they trailed 63-62 with 7:37 left. The Wolves would make another run and fend off the Blue Devils down the stretch for the win.

Lightbourne led the team with 20 points and Janloo had 18 points in the game.

KCKCC is back in action on Jan. 5 for a rematch against the Wolves at home. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.