HOWARD, Texas (Interstat) — In a frantic finish defined by free throws and a crucial final defensive stand, the Howard College Hawks edged the Odessa College Wranglers 82-81 in a men’s junior college basketball game Monday night.

The victory avenged a home loss for the Hawks earlier in the season and improved their record to 22-4, while Odessa fell to 17-8.

The game’s decisive sequence unfolded in the final minute with Howard clinging to a two-point lead. After Odessa’s Ahmere Carson sank two free throws to cut the deficit to 82-81 with 1:20 remaining, the Hawks’ Kuai Deng answered with a critical layup to push the lead back to three with 1:04 left.

Odessa had two opportunities to tie or take the lead in the closing seconds. Following a timeout, the Wranglers’ Jaiden Reynolds missed a 3-point attempt with 42 seconds left. Howard’s Terry Copeland then missed a jumper on the ensuing possession, giving Odessa a final chance with 16 seconds remaining.

The Wranglers worked the ball to Carson, but his contested jump shot from the wing as time expired missed the mark, securing the narrow victory for the Hawks.

The game was a statistical paradox. Howard dominated the glass, outrebounding Odessa 39-22, and shot a blistering 54% from the field (27 of 50) compared to Odessa’s 40.6% (26 of 64). However, the Hawks were plagued by 18 turnovers, which Odessa converted into 12 steals and numerous transition opportunities. The Wranglers also dished out 12 assists to Howard’s three, highlighting a stark contrast in ball movement.

Odessa kept pace largely through volume 3-point shooting, making 12 of 33 attempts from beyond the arc, and by capitalizing at the free-throw line, hitting 17 of 21. Howard was efficient from the line as well, making 20 of 24.

The first half was an offensive showcase, ending with Howard leading 82-81. Odessa’s Jakeel Registe and Jaiden Reynolds provided the scoring punch for the Wranglers, finishing with 24 and 23 points respectively. Carson added 15 points for Odessa.

Howard was led by Dace Pleasant, who posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Copeland contributed 19 points, Brandon Ivery had 14 and Deng finished with 12 points and seven rebounds.

The win solidifies Howard’s position near the top of the conference standings, while Odessa will look to rebound from the heart-breaking loss in its next outing.

Odessa is scheduled to host New Mexico Military Institute on Thursday. Howard will travel to face Clarendon College on the same night.