Late push not enough to come back on the road for the Dodge City men's basketball team as they fell 96-86 to Frank Phillips in the final non-conference game.
The loss moves the Conquistadors to 4-2 on the season as they prepare for Jayhawk Conference play.
The night would start slowly for both teams, but the Conqs would take an initial 4-0 lead. However, Frank Phillips scored the next eight points to snare the lead, working a 16-11 advantage with just under 12 minutes left in the first half. Conqs evened up the game at 17-17, then 20-20, 22-22, and 25-25 before finally taking a 27-25 lead with just under seven minutes left in the half. The lead was short-lived as Frank Phillips jumped back in front and would hold the Conqs at arm's length, leading to a 40-34 Frank Phillips lead at intermission.
A quick 7-0 run to open the second half grew Frank Phillips' lead to double figures, and the Conqs would be constantly fighting uphill the rest of the way. Conqs put together small runs throughout the second half but would not draw close until making it a two-possession game at 83-77 with 3:21 remaining. The Conqs cut the deficit to five twice over the next minute and then drew within three on a
Derrick Rivers jumper, making it 87-84. However, Frank Phillips came down the floor and hit a three-pointer and would go on to secure the 96-86 victory.
Conqs shot 43.3% from the floor and went 8-16 from three-point range but had 18 turnovers and saw Frank Phillips shoot 46.7% including 11-20 from three-point range.
Rivers paced the Conqs again, scoring 21 points going 9-12 from the free throw line, while also dishing out five assists.
Wesly Rosa matched his career high of 16 points on 7-7 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds.
Brad Johnson chipped in 17 points, going 4-6 from three-point range, while
Andrew Mabry tallied 11 points and
Jayvion Nurse scored 10 points.
The Conqs now turn their attention to KJCCC action as they will open conference play on the road against #17 Barton on Wednesday, November 19th at 7:30pm.
