ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (Interstat) — In a high-octane offensive duel, the Cowley Tigers outlasted the Cloud County Thunderbirds 95-89 in a men’s junior college basketball game Tuesday night.

The contest was a tale of two halves, with the teams trading blows in a frantic first period before Cowley methodically built a lead in the second. Cloud County’s Al Brooks Jr. recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Kam Williams came off the bench to add 16 points. For Cowley, Marcus Smith led all scorers with 29 points, and Roman Miller provided a crucial 15-point performance.

The game opened at a blistering pace, with both teams struggling to find an early rhythm. The first few minutes were marked by a flurry of missed shots and turnovers before Cloud County’s Syncere Burnette broke the seal with a layup. Cowley responded, and the teams traded baskets in a tightly contested opening frame. Smith and Miller hit key three-pointers for the Tigers, helping them to a 35-28 lead after the first quarter.

Cowley carried that momentum into the second period, opening with a 7-2 run to extend their advantage. The Tigers maintained their efficiency on offense, consistently answering any push from the Thunderbirds. A three-pointer from Miller with just over 11 minutes remaining gave Cowley a 59-54 lead, prompting a timeout from Cloud County.

Despite the efforts of Brooks Jr. and Williams, who attacked the rim and drew frequent fouls, Cloud County could never quite close the gap. Every Thunderbird basket was met with a response from Cowley, often from Smith, who was relentless in getting to the free-throw line and converting. The Tigers’ offense operated with precision, posting an offensive rating of 114.1 points per 100 possessions, significantly outpacing Cloud County’s 103.9 rating.

In the final minutes, Cloud County was forced to foul, and Cowley capitalized at the charity stripe. Smith and Kyden Thompson, who finished with 13 points and five assists, sank critical free throws to keep the Thunderbirds at bay. A last-second three-pointer from Cloud County’s DJ Holloway and a final layup from Miller provided the final margin.

Statistically, the game was remarkably even in several categories. Both teams finished with 11 assists and 11 steals. Cloud County held a slight rebounding edge, 36-31, but was hampered by 15 turnovers. Cowley was more efficient from the field, shooting 47.7% compared to Cloud County’s 42.9%, and were more effective at the free-throw line, making 25 of their 30 attempts.

With the win, Cowley improves its season record to 4-2. The Tigers are scheduled to travel to face Colby on Saturday. Cloud County falls to 4-3 and will host Dodge City in its next contest.