COLUMBIA, Mo. - It took most of the game for Jefferson City to catch up to the hot-shooting Hickman Kewpies, but the Jays got key offensive rebounds and free throws to complete their comeback and win 72-67 on Tuesday.
Hickman began the game on a 15-2 run thanks to a flurry of 3-pointers and led 27-14 after the first quarter.
The Kewpies took a 36-24 advantage into the halftime break, but the Jays made a late charge in the third quarter to cut it to 54-49 heading to the fourth.
Sterling DeSha, who scored 19 points, gave the Jays a 58-57 lead on a second-chance basket. Brennan Jeffries later added a three-point play for a 65-60 lead with 2:21 left.
Ryan Brooks, who scored 17 points, sealed the win by collecting the offensive rebound off his missed free-throw attempt and putting it through the hoop.
Ben Folz added 12 points and Jeffries scored 10 for Jefferson City (4-3), which plays Miller Career Academy at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Capital City Shootout at Fleming Fieldhouse.
Jarvis Jennings led Hickman (3-4) with 12 points.
Jefferson City won the JV game 53-40.