Before heading into the Winter break, the Pratt Community College men's basketball team hit the road to take on Independence Community College. The Beavers led during several points of the contest while looking to earn their first conference win. A late surge from the Pirates put PCC on the lower end of a 78-74 final score.

Pratt outperformed Independence in shooting percentages from the floor, free throw-line and 3-point mark.

Sophomore guard Blake Furcron was a major factor for the Beavers with a game-high 32 points. Furcron brought scoring while shooting an efficient 11-for-17 from the field. He led the game in 3-point makes while also being aggressive enough inside to be the leader in free throw attempts and makes.

Although not as efficient in shooting, the Pirates were able to make a difference by outhustling Pratt on the glass for a 32-19 rebound advantage. Nineteen rebounds marks a season-low for the Beavers. Through the first 13 matches of the 2018-19 season, PCC is averaging over 44 rebounds per game.

With less than three minutes remaining in regular time, ICC was able to take a rare lead at 70-68. The Pirates never surrendered the advantage on the scoreboard from that point on. The contest went down to the wire with many back-and-forth exchanges from each side.

Furcon brought the lead back to within a single possession with a shot from behind the arc. Pratt committed personal fouls in an attempt to extend the game. Independence went on to hit 3-of-4 shots from the free throw-line which was all the Pirates needed to defend their home court.

PCC men's basketball will be back in action against Neosho County Community College on Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m.