The Coffeyville Community College men's basketball team achieved a cardiac classic 62-60 win over their cross boarder rivals NEO. The win improves the Ravens early season overall record to 3-0.
The game was the tale of two halves for the Ravens. The first half saw the Ravens shoot a low 36% (9/25) from the field while NEO shot a blistering 67% (16/24). Those shooting percentages combined with 10 first half Coffeyville turnovers saw the Ravens dig themselves a 26-40 halftime deficit.
The Raven's shots found the bucket a little better in the second half (44%), but NEO went ice cold, only shooting 17% in the second half. This allowed Coffeyville to slowly inch closer as the second half wore on.
With the history of close games between the two schools (Coffeyville won 51-50 in 2016 and NEO won last years meeting 58-55), you just knew that the game was going to come down to the wire, and sure enough it did.
It looked like the game may have been heading into overtime, however, Coffeyville had a nice defensive stand with sophomore Kymani Dunham securing a steal with about 25 seconds remaining in regulation to keep the two teams tied at 60. The remaining 25 seconds saw the Ravens pass the ball around the perimeter looking for an open shot or open driving lane. The ball came to rest with Raven freshman guard Tylor Perry who hoisted up a 3 pointer with 4 seconds left on the clock. Perry's shot glanced off the front of the rim, but sophomore Meikkel Murray was right there in position to cup the ball and dunk the offensive rebound home to give Coffeyville a 62-60 advantage with :00.7 time left on the clock. After a desperation NEO 3/4 court shot at the buzzer, the Ravens had the 62-60 victory.
Top players for the Red Ravens included sophomores Kymani Dunham, 15 pts and 6 rebounds, and Meikkel Murray with 14 pts and 5 rebounds.
Coffeyville will be hosting the Community State Bank Classic this Friday (Nov. 8th) and Saturday (Nov. 9th). The Ravens are scheduled to play Kirkwood Community College at 7:00 pm on Friday and Minnesota Prep at 4:00 pm on Saturday.