A single free throw was the difference as the Central Community College men's basketball lost to North Iowa Area Community College, 67-66, in second-round action at the Great Western Shootout.

The Raiders battled back from a 36-18 halftime deficit to be in position to potentially post a win over the Trojans. With time winding down, North Iowa Area CC made good at the free throw line, while CCC got a three-point bucket to pull to within one, but time ran out.

Jaxon Simons came off the bench to score 21 points to lead the Raiders in scoring with 21 points. Latrell Talley logged a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Bennett Nelson finished with 12 points.

With the loss, CCC is now 5-7 on the season.

The Raiders will return to action on Tuesday with a road contest at York JV. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at Freeman Gym on the York campus. CCC defeated York JV, 123-84, on Nov. 18 in the second round of the Pinnacle Bank Classic at Raider Fieldhouse.

(Photo courtesy of North Iowa Area Community College sports information.)