Kirkwood boys hold off Jefferson City

CUBA, Mo. - The Jefferson City Jays flipped the script in the second half of Saturday's basketball game against the Kirkwood Pioneers, but a double-digit comeback fell short in a 57-55 loss in the On The Run Shootout at Cuba.

The Jays trailed 30-15 at halftime but got to within one with less than a minute to go.

Down two with :01.3 on the clock, the Jays intentionally missed a free throw but Kirkwood got the rebound to hold on for the win.

Jefferson City got off to a slow start on offense, trailing 12-6 after the first quarter.

The Jays outscored the Pioneers 18-11 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 41-33 entering the fourth quarter.

Jefferson City (7-11) plays Tuesday at Rock Bridge.

In the JV game, Jefferson City defeated Kirkwood 67-41.

The Jays gained control from the start, leading 20-10 after the first quarter. Jefferson City extended its lead to 35-15 by halftime and 47-23 after three quarters.