HAYS, Kan. (Interstat) — In a game defined by late composure at the free-throw line, Fort Hays Tech edged Barton 74-71 in a men’s junior college basketball game Tuesday night.

The Trailblazers, playing at home, secured the victory by making 19 of 29 free throws, including several critical ones in the final minute, to overcome a more efficient shooting performance from the visiting Cougars.

The most pivotal sequence occurred in the final 12 seconds. With Fort Hays Tech clinging to a 72-71 lead, Barton’s Mikey Williams committed a foul on Jasiah Shields. Shields calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to three. On the ensuing possession, Barton’s Blake Rucker missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer as time expired, allowing Fort Hays Tech to escape with the win.

The game was a back-and-forth affair with neither team leading by more than a few possessions. Barton finished the game shooting 49.1% from the field (26 of 53), while Fort Hays Tech managed just 37.7% (23 of 61). The Trailblazers compensated by attempting and making more free throws and by winning the rebounding battle 35-30, including an 11-6 advantage on the offensive glass.

Noah Williams led all scorers with 22 points for Barton. Sebastian Muchitsch added 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars. Fort Hays Tech was paced by Kaleel Kelly’s 21 points, with 15 coming in the second half. Jasiah Shields contributed nine points, all in the final quarter, including the decisive free throws.

Barton’s offense operated efficiently, scoring 71 points on 71 possessions for an offensive rating of 100.1. However, 13 turnovers and 27 personal fouls proved costly. Fort Hays Tech, despite scoring 74 points on 78 possessions for a lower offensive rating of 95.1, forced 14 Barton turnovers and capitalized on their trips to the line.

Defensively, Barton was disruptive, recording 12 steals and forcing 14 Fort Hays Tech turnovers. The Cougars also dished out 12 assists compared to just six for the Trailblazers. Marquintez Dixon provided a strong all-around effort for Fort Hays Tech with seven points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

With the loss, Barton falls to 9-4 on the season. Fort Hays Tech improves to .500 at 5-5.

Barton will look to rebound at home against Garden City on Saturday. Fort Hays Tech travels to face Cowley, also on Saturday.

The game’s outcome was slightly against the pre-game statistical projections, which gave Fort Hays Tech a 52.7% probability of victory according to Interstat’s ELO system.