Rangers survive round one with defeat of Lamar State-Port Arthur

TYLER, TX -- The Kilgore College Rangers hung on and got a late surge to defeat the Lamar State-Port Arthur Seahawks March 7, in the first round of the Region 14 Basketball Tournament at Tyler's Wagstaff Gymnasium.

The Rangers led by only two points at halftime after leading by as many as 13 points.

Lamar State took the lead briefly in the second half, but the Rangers took the lead for good late in the game.

KC was led in scoring by Joe Manning with 15 points. DaVeon Thomas scored 14 points and Terrance Dixon scored 12.

Lamar State's Avontez Led led Lamar state in scoring with 13 points.

KC improves to 20-10 on the season. Lamar State's season ends with a 12-19 mark.

The Rangers (6 seed) move on to play third-seeded Blinn College 8 p.m. Thursday, March 9, in the Region 14 quarterfinals.

PHOTO: Julian Keitt drives to the basket during the first half of the Kilgore College Rangers' game against Lamar State College Seahawks. Keitt played more than 28 minutes of the first round game of the Region XIV Tournament at Wagstaff Gymnasium in Tyler on Tuesday evening. The Rangers won 54-49 to advance to the Men's Quarterfinal at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 9. PHOTO BY RACHEL STALLARD/KC