Coffeyville, Kan. - Playing short-handed due to a rash of early-season injuries, the Coffeyville Community College Red Raven Men's Basketball Team lost to the #4 NJCAA ranked Hutchinson Blue Dragons 81-74.  With the loss, the Red Ravens' overall record falls to 5-7 including a 2-4 record in Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) play. 

Even being down 4-5 players due to a rash of early-season injuries, the Red Ravens played a extremely competitive game against the #4 team in the nation, the Blue Dragons of Hutchinson Community College.  Coffeyville came out in the first half and shot 60% from the field,  however, the Blue Dragons were still able to mount a 43-40 halftime lead over the Ravens.  The second half saw the Ravens again play close, but down the stretch, the pressure from Huthinson's defense in causing a game total of 25 tournovers from the Red Ravens did not allow Coffeyville to gain any offensive momuntum and the Blue Dragons were able to close the game out with the 81-74 victory. 

For those who may not be aware, Hutchinson new men's basketball head coach is Tommy DeSalme, who happened to be the head coach at Cowley College last season.  This was the first matchup between DeSalme and our Jay Herkelman since the NJCAA Championship game last season.

Stat leaders for Coffeyville in the game included guard Dayshawn Wiley with 14 points, guard Love Bettis with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, forward Aluwatimosola ToluOgunkoya with a big 13 points and a 10 rebound double double, and forward Deng Mayar with 12 points.

The Red Ravens will end their first semester schedule this coming Saturday, December 11th as the travel up the road to Independence Kansas to play the Pirates of ICC.  Tipoff in Indy on the 11th is scheduled for 4:00 pm.