INDEPENDENCE, Kan. (Interstat) — Sterling Knox scored 34 points as the Independence Pirates defeated the Fort Hays Tech Trailblazers 81-70 in a men’s junior college basketball game Wednesday.

Independence used a 44-point second quarter to pull away after leading 37-32 at halftime. The Pirates were nearly flawless at the free-throw line, making 25 of 26 attempts. Fort Hays Tech struggled there, shooting 12 for 26.

Knox added six rebounds and three assists for Independence. David Wilson contributed 19 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Marquintez Dixon led Fort Hays Tech with 20 points.

Independence improved to 12-7. Fort Hays Tech fell to 10-10.