Pratt, Kan. - The Pratt Community College Beavers wrapped up the first half of their conference schedule by hosting the Cowley College Tigers. The Tigers entered the Saturday, January 14 contest off a win at home against Cloud County. The Beavers came into the day after a tough road loss at Dodge City on Wednesday, January 11.
The game started primarily in Cowley's favor with a few small runs from Pratt as Cowley built a 24-14 lead with 10:04 in the first half. Coming out of the final media timeout of the first half, the Beavers went on a run and cut Cowley's lead to 2 points 34-32 with 2:37 left. Cowley called a late time out in the half and scored five unanswered points to hold a 39-32 lead at halftime.
It was more of the same to start the second half with Cowley holding the lead and picking off small Beaver runs. Pratt was eventually able to tie the game 50-50 with 12:37 left. They took their first lead of the half a few seconds later. Around this time the Beaver baseball team showed up in the student section and helped change the tide of the game.
Pratt went on a 13-10 run to hold a 65-61 lead at the game's last media timeout. Coming out that timeout with 4:17 remaining the Beavers continued their run to build a ten-point lead 74-64 with 2:07 left. The Tigers responded with a 9-1 run to cut the game to within two points 75-73 with 48 seconds left. Sterling Young would make the shot of the game with 20 seconds left to give Pratt a 78-73 lead. The Beavers would add one more off a free throw to win 79-73.
All five starters scored in double digits as Quintin Metcalf led the team with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Both Young and Chidiebere Obichere had 15 points in the game. Jaylon Davis had 12 points with seven rebounds while Qai Kellman had 10 points and seven rebounds. Pratt outrebounded the Tigers 37-23.
The Beavers will travel to Seward County on Wednesday, January 18 as the conference schedule resets. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM.
