HAYS, Kan. (Interstat) — The Independence Pirates narrowly defeated the Fort Hays Tech Trailblazers 85-83 in a men’s junior college basketball game Wednesday night. Independence improved to 4-3 overall, while Fort Hays Tech fell to 4-4.

The Pirates built a 44-40 halftime lead and held on despite a late push from the Trailblazers. Independence forced 16 turnovers, converting them into key scoring opportunities. Lonnie Bass Jr. led the Pirates with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Marquintez Dixon paced Fort Hays Tech with 17 points.