KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A tough battle for the Kansas City Kansas Community College men's basketball team ended in a close 73-68 loss to Allen County CC Saturday afternoon. The Blue Devils trailed by eight points with less than 30 seconds left before nearly tying the game, but free throws by the Red Devils in the end helped them secure the win.

KCKCC falls to 13-7 overall and 4-1 in the KJCCC on the year.

Allen County was able to put together an early 10-2 lead in the first half, before taking a 22-12 with 7:16 left. The Blue Devils managed to make a late run as Caleb Jones and Cortez Howlett would connect on baskets to help the team to just a four-point deficit at the break, 31-27.

KCKCC came within two points out of the locker room in the second half. But the Red Devils increased their lead to seven points at the 16:34 mark. A back-and-forth battle occurred thereafter, but KCKCC would take the lead at 43-42 after Bryce Johnson tipped the ball into the net with 11:46 left. The Blue Devils were inching closer to Allen County midway through the half as they cut the deficit to two points, but the Red Devils connected on two long range shots and two free throws to take an eight-point lead at 59-51 with 5:41 remaining. Trailing 69-61 with 26 seconds left, the Blue Devils came within striking distance when Bradley Lightbourne made a three-point basket and Joshua Butler hit a basket. KCKCC trailed 69-66. Unfortunately, the comeback would come to an end as the Red Devils were able to hit a couple key free throws in the end.

Lightbourne had a team high 15 points, while Jones (14) and Butler (10) also finished with double-figures.

KCKCC will return to action on Wednesday when they take on Fort Scott CC on the road at 7:30 p.m.