Cowboys Late Free Throws Fight Off Central Georgia Tech, 84-78 in NJCAA National Tournament

HUTCHINSON, KAN.  --- Connors State went on an 8-0 run with 8:45 remaining, and then drained 7-of-10 free throws in the final two minutes of play to fight off Central Georgia Tech for an 84-78 first round victory in the NJCAA National Tournament Monday night at the Sports Arena.

"I thought Central Georgia Tech really competed hard," said Connors head coach Bill Muse. "They played as well as anyone we played all year. They had us down five at the half (40-35).

"We managed to comeback the second half and play hard. We made some easy baskets to start the second half. I thought we were more aggressive the second half, " said Muse.

The 13^th-ranked and 12^th seeded Cowboys will take a 30-3 record into Wednesday's quarterfinal game with the fifth-seeded Coffeyville Red Ravens (29-4) at 2 p.m. in the Sports Arena.

The Cowboys' victory sends the Titans home with a 25-9 record, after advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament after winning the Region 13 championship with a 74-52 victory over South Georgia Tech. The Titans were making their first appearance in The Tournament.

The Cowboys led by Mason's Jones 25 points, drained 23-of-29 at the free throw line, with Jones converting four in the final 22 seconds along with Darius Roy, who finished with 16 points.

"Mason had a great game and I am proud of him for that, along with Langston," said Muse.

Mason said concerning his late free throws, "I was not wanting them to get a chance to tie us. I just wanted to make sure I didn't put my team in a bad predicament.

"We've been down before at the half, they just out played us, but we didn't want this to be our last game. We have alot of sophomores and didn't want them to go out on a bad note," said Mason.

Ra'Shawn Langston, who was held to just 2 points in the opening 20 minutes of play erupted for 16 in the second half to finish with 18.

Concerning the slow start by Langston, Jones said, "I knew he would come through in the second half. He's not one of the top 50 junior college players in the country for nothing," said Jones.

A.J. Cockrell came off the bench to pour in 13 points as the Cowboys connected on 30-of-53 from the field for a 56.6 percent performance from the field. That included 7-of-12 from behind the arc.

"A.J. did a great job coming off the bench and giving us a lift and I was proud of his play," said Muse.

In a game that was tied 8 times and 18 lead changes, Connors finally broke loose from the Titans with 8:45 remaining.

Deadlocked at 59-all, Jones drained a 12-foot shot from the wing and was fouled on the bucket. He then converted a free throw to make it 62-59 Cowboys.

The Connors lead went to five points 64-59 with 8:07 left on a bucket by Cockrell and it was Jones again scoring at the 7:50 mark for an eight point Connors lead the largest of the night 67-59.

The Titans battled back to within two points of the Cowboys, 78-76 as Connors failed to convert on two one-and-one opportunities to put it away.

However, Connors regained its shooting touch at the charity stripe draining the next 7-of-10 at the stripe.

The Titans out rebounded the Cowboys, 38-29,  Muse said, "They really hurt us on the boards. Give them credit, they did a good job blocking out."

CONNORS STATE  84, CENTRAL GEORGIA TECH 78

C. Georgia Tech 40  38--78

Connors State  35  49--84

C. Georgia Tech (25-9)—Lester 17, Castillo 14, Kone 11, Daniels 9, Waters 9, Farrakhan 8, Hayes 6, Deskir 4.

Connors State (30-3)—M. Jones 25, Langston 18, Darius 16, Cockrell 13, Bishop 8, Bobb 2, Putnam 2.