Men’s Basketball Shows Grit in Loss at Independence

INDEPENDENCE, Kan. - The Colby Trojans men's basketball team came up just short in a hard-fought road contest against fourth-place Independence, falling 83-72. The Trojans (4-15, 2-11 KJCCC) kept the game close and challenged one of the top teams in the conference on their home court.

The first half was a showcase of efficiency and teamwork for Colby. Gabe Njenga was perfect from the field, hitting all four of his shots, while Nana Keutcha dominated the paint with 8 points and 8 rebounds. Owen Reece added 6 points, and D.J. Cason chipped in 5, helping the Trojans stay within striking distance. By halftime, Colby trailed 37-33, with the team shooting an impressive 55.6% from the floor and controlling the boards early.

The second half saw Independence push the pace, slowly widening the gap. D.J. Cason carried much of the offensive load for Colby, scoring 13 points in the final 20 minutes, including perfect free-throw shooting (8-for-8). Keutcha added 4 points and continued to battle inside, while Njenga, though less efficient in the second half, remained a key contributor. Bench players including Aliou Diallo and Kellan Simoneau provided crucial energy and scoring bursts, but turnovers and cold shooting from deep (just 1-for-9 on three-pointers in the second half) made it difficult to cut into Independence's lead.

Colby was led by D.J. Cason, who scored 18 points while adding a rebound and an assist. Owen Reece contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds, and Nana Keutcha recorded a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds that ties his season best. As a team, the Trojans shot 48.1% from the field, 13.3% from three-point range, and 66.7% from the free-throw line, while collecting 40 rebounds, dishing 9 assists, and committing 23 turnovers.

Despite the loss, Colby's effort was evident. The Trojans out-rebounded the Pirates in the first half and showed that they could match up with a top conference team for stretches of the game. Independence's depth and fast-paced attack eventually tilted the game in their favor, but Colby left the court knowing they could compete and fight through adversity.

Colby will look to build on their first-half energy when they host newly ranked Seward County Sunday. The Saints (13-5, 8-4 KJCCC) feature a balanced attack with three players averaging double figures, six scoring six or more per game. The Trojans will need strong defense and timely shots to compete with one of the conference's deepest teams this Sunday (Jan. 25) in the Colby Event Center.