Box Score DODGE CITY, Kan. - Despite leading for over half the game, the Conquistador men's basketball team dropped their matchup with Cloud County on Wednesday night by a score of 65-61, to split the season series. 

Jyrus Freels had another good game on the offensive end, collecting 15 points while also grabbing eight rebounds. Tajae Anderson led the Conqs with 17 points on the night while also pulling down eight boards. Kevin Howard was the only Dodge City player in double-figures on the boards with 10. 

The first 10 minutes of the game were a battle on both sides as Cloud was able to go into the media timeout with a two point lead, 16-14. The T-Birds were able to push their lead to five with 5:26 to play in the half, but the Conqs then found their rhythm and were able to go on a run and eventually push their lead to eight with 1:53 to play, 32-24. A quick 5-0 run by Cloud cut the lead to two, but an offensive rebound and putback by Freels pushed the lead back to four heading into the locker room.

The Conquistadors came out on fire to start the second half, extending their lead to 14 just five minutes into the second half, 50-36. With the 14-point lead, the Dodge City offense then went ice cold, not scoring another point for the next 8:30 as the T-Birds were able to cut the lead back to two with 6:24 to play. 

With 4:18 to play, the T-Birds were finally able to take the lead back. Dodge City battled for the remainder of the game, but despite grabbing a one-point lead with 1:05 to play, Cloud was able to finish the game on a 5-0 run and win the game, 65-61.

The Conquistadors move to 6-12 overall on the year and 4-10 in conference play. They will be in action again on Saturday at 4 p.m., as they travel to Pratt Community College.