INDEPENDENCE, Kan. - The Pirates Men's Basketball team was able to get back in the win column Saturday night, as they used a big second half to knock off Seward County 74-64.

The Pirates were able to overcome a bit of a slow start as Chiante Tramble scored the first seven points of the game for Indy, before Seward made their early push, taking a 26-13 lead at the seven minute mark. The Pirates went through a stretch of four minutes without scoring a point that allowed Seward County to jump out to the early lead. Indy quickly weathered the storm as Cedric Dixon made a three pointer to cut the lead to 31-18, sparking a 19-9 run to finish the first half. 

The second half was all Independence, after a free throw made it a 47-40 Seward lead, the Pirates ripped off a 15-3 run to take a 55-50 lead. Indy was really able to pull away after back to back three pointers from Chris Dockery turned a 57-55 game, into a 63-55 game, and the Pirates never looked back from there pulling away for the 10 point victory. The Pirates turned up the defensive pressure as they were able to force 13 second half turnovers that led to 16 points. They held Seward to 45% from the field and scoreless from the three point line in the second half, ultimately winning the half 40-24. The Pirates also shot the ball much better in the second half, going 55% from the field compared to just 39% in the first half. 

Chiante Tramble once again led the Pirates in the scoring column with 27 points and a game high five steals. Chris Dockery had a monster second half as he scored 15 of his 18 points, including 2-2 from deep. Trashaun Combs-Pierce was the only other Pirate to finish in double figures with 13 and added 10 rebounds for his double-double. Tyland Holdman led the way with four assits and Tasean Williams added two steals in 20 minutes off of the bench. 

A much needed win for Indy moves their record to 12-15 overall and 8-13 in conference play. The Pirates will hit the road once again on Wednesday as they travel to take on Dodge City this week.