In a back and forth battle Wednesday night, the Kansas City Kansas Community College women’s basketball team was able to survive the full court pressure from Neosho County Community College and pull out an 84-78 win inside the KCKCC Fieldhouse.
The Blue Devils are now 10-7 overall and 2-2 in the KJCCC on the season.
Faith Putz and Ikia Elam capped off a strong start for the Blue Devils in the first quarter, as the team led 9-2 with 5:35 remaining in the period. Neosho used its pressure, however, and was able to take the lead, going into the second quarter with a 20-18 advantage.
Aysia Arrowood would give the Blue Devils some momentum to start the second period by hitting back-to-back three-pointers. De’Jaria Guillroy and Putz also hit long-range shots as the Blue Devil lead increased to 39-32.
KCKCC held onto the lead and the Blue Devils led 44-35 at halftime.
Neosho did not go away, though, as it came out of the locker room with some momentum. The Panthers cut the KCKCC lead to three at 49-46 with six minutes to play in the third quarter, but the Blue Devils got some scoring from Mercer Roberts, Guillroy and Trinity McDow to help the team to a 10-point lead after three quarters.
KCKCC maintained its lead throughout the entire fourth quarter, despite Neosho making a 12-1 run in the final minutes.
Putz led the team with 27 points, while Guilbeaux added a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds.
KCKCC will return to action on Saturday when it plays host to Allen County Community College at 2 p.m.
- Story from Tyler Scott, KCKCC sports information director