COFFEYVILLE, Kan. (Interstat) — The Coffeyville Ravens snapped a two-game skid Wednesday night, edging the Cloud County Thunderbirds 72-68 in a men’s junior college basketball game defined by a chaotic start and a decisive finish.

The most important part of the contest was its frantic opening minutes, which saw Cloud County miss its first five shots and commit two turnovers before finally scoring nearly two minutes into the game. That early stumble allowed Coffeyville to establish a rhythm and build a lead it would never fully relinquish, despite numerous pushes from the Thunderbirds throughout the night.

Coffeyville improved to 7-3 overall, while Cloud County fell to 4-6.

The Ravens were led by Daniel Ntambwe, who scored 21 points, including several key baskets in the paint to stem Cloud County rallies. He added six rebounds. His performance helped offset a game-high 22 points from Cloud County’s DJ Holloway.

The game was a tale of offensive efficiency overcoming raw volume. Coffeyville scored its 72 points on 75 possessions, while Cloud County needed 78 possessions to reach 68. The Ravens shot 46.4% from the field on 26-of-56 shooting, while the Thunderbirds managed just 40.3% on 27-of-67 shooting. Both teams struggled from distance, with Coffeyville making 6 of 23 three-point attempts and Cloud County hitting 4 of 17.

Cloud County won the rebounding battle 42-33, including a 13-7 edge on the offensive glass, but was hampered by 16 turnovers. Coffeyville committed 14 turnovers. The Thunderbirds also sent the Ravens to the free-throw line 25 times, though Coffeyville converted only 14.

After the initial drought, Cloud County found its footing and the first quarter evolved into a high-scoring affair, ending with Coffeyville holding a narrow 35-36 lead. The second quarter was a tighter, more defensive struggle. Coffeyville maintained a slim advantage, leading by as many as six points, but Cloud County kept within striking distance, largely behind Holloway’s scoring and 12 points from Elidjah Savane.

The Thunderbirds tied the game at 68 on a Savane layup with just over three minutes remaining. Coffeyville responded with the game’s final four points. Jack Sorrell, who finished with nine points, six rebounds and five assists, put the Ravens ahead for good with a dunk at the 1:26 mark. After a Cloud County miss, Konstantin Popovic, who hit two critical three-pointers late, sank a jumper to extend the lead to four with 40 seconds left. Sorrell then sealed the victory with two free throws with eight seconds remaining.

For Coffeyville, Ke’Bari Lewis added 14 points off the bench. For Cloud County, D’ontez Walker joined Holloway and Savane in double figures with 12 points.

The Ravens will look to build on the win when they host Colby on Saturday. Cloud County travels to face Hutchinson the same day.