BLUE DEVILS FALL 63-61 WHEN LAST SECOND SHOT FAILS TO FALL

            Kansas City Kansas Community College came within seconds of forcing overtime or winning a tense struggle with Johnson County Wednesday night.

Trailing by two points after two Lucas Smith free throws with 15 seconds left, the Blue Devils forced a turnover only to have Anthony Ridley's driving shot for a tie go astray in a 63-61 setback. The loss left the Blue Devils 6-20 heading into a home contest with Highland Saturday at 4 p.m..

Down by as many as 12 points midway through the second half, the Blue Devil men still trailed 61-56 when Smith converted a three-point play with 32 seconds left to trim the lead to 61-59. JCCC's Pat Jones, who led all scorers with 24 points including 10 of 14 free throws, rebuilt the lead to four with two foul shots but Smith converted two free throws followed by the turnover that gave the Blue Devils a shot at their first win in Jayhawk Conference play.

            Smith, who had 15 points and 11 rebounds, led four players in double figures for the Blue Devils. Stephen Leimbach added 14 points on four 3-pointers; Willis Garner 10 on a trio of treys and Ridley 10 points and five assists. Leading 27-24 at halftime, JCCC shot 58.8 percent the second half but was still outscored 37-36.