ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (Interstat) — The Cowley Tigers defeated the Independence Pirates 86-74 in a men’s junior college basketball game Saturday. The host Tigers improved to 9-5 overall, while Independence fell to 7-5.

Cowley established control with a 39-point first quarter and maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half. Independence could not close the gap despite a 41-point second quarter. The Tigers’ victory was consistent with pregame statistical projections that favored Cowley.

Key individual performances included strong showings from Cowley’s Marcus Smith and Roman Miller, while Trae Lewis and Lonnie Bass Jr. led the effort for Independence. Cowley next hosts Seward County on Wednesday. Independence will host Dodge City the same night.