Dodge City men's basketball put together another strong week in the Jayhawk Conference, earning a pair of two-point victories to sit atop the KJCCC after the first round of conference play. 

The Conquistadors picked up a 95-93 road win over Independence last week and then capped the week with a 79-77 win at home over Seward County. The victories improved the Conqs to 13-5 on the season and 9-3 in KJCCC action. 

In the latest NJCAA Division I rankings, the Conqs vaulted up six spots to #15, marking the highest ranking this season. Two other KJCCC schools are ranked alongside the Conqs as Seward County jumped into the poll at #19 and Butler checked in at #25, while Coffeyville is receiving votes. 

The Conqs have grinded out wins throughout the season, closing out games strong, as 12 of their 13 wins have come by single digits, and they are 12-2 in games decided by single digits. 
Part of the clutch play the Conqs have shown on the season has been their offense averaging 83.7 points per game on 44.4% shooting, while the free throw line has played a key role into the Conqs success. Conqs average 21.4 made free throws per game with 28.7 attempted per game, numbers that rank fourth and ninth in the NJCAA, as the team is shooting 74.5% from the charity stripe (12th in NJCAA). The Conqs have netted 407 free throws on the season, the second most in the NJCAA. 

Defensively, the Conqs are seeing teams score 83.9 points per game on 40.9% shooting. While the Conqs do protect the rim well, averaging 5.8 blocks per game on the season, ranking seventh in the NJCAA. 

The second swing through conference play starts on Wednesday, January 21st, as the Conqs take on Barton at 7:30 pm and then will travel to Arkansas City to take on Cowley on Sunday, January 25th, at 4:00 pm.