JAMESTOWN – Jordan Thomas had a career night as the Jamestown Community College men's basketball team defeated Butler County Community College, 90-72, Wednesday evening at the Physical Education Complex.
The Jayhawks (7-6) were led by Thomas who had a career-high 31 points to go with a career-high 11 rebounds (7 offense, 4 defense) while Donathan Daniels had a career-high 25 points. Jake Hougan added 12 points and nine rebounds (5 offense, 4 defense) with Kane Kenyon chipping in with 10 points. Kyle Butler had a career night as well, dropping 10 assists.
Both teams came ready to play by trading three-point baskets to start the game off. JCC took the early momentum, scoring the next five points including Daniels converting the and-one opportunity to go up 8-3. The Pioneers answered back, with Andrew Yonkers scoring two quick layups. The Pioneers kept the game close in the first six minutes with Cole McCarthy knocking down a shot from beyond the arc to tie the game up at 13-13.
Jamestown started to create some separation in the final 10 minutes of the half, going on a 10-point run that was fueled by three-pointers from Daniels and Butler. Butler County halted the run with a three from Yonkers. JCC got back in a rhythm, going up 17-points with a three from Kenyon to make it 37-22 with just over four minutes before intermission. Jamestown did find their biggest lead of the first half come as Isaac Butler III and Butler scored back-to-back layup to go up 45-26 with two minutes remaining in the half. The Jayhawks would take a 47-31 lead into the break.
Thomas took over the game in the second half, scoring four-straight buckets to put Jamestown up 55-34 in the opening minutes of the second half. Hougan extended the teams lead to 23 with a jumper.
The Jayhawks shot efficiently from the floor, making 52.7 percent of the shots (39-for-74) while the Pioneers shots 42.1 percent from the floor (24-for-57). The Jayhawks held the advantage in rebounds, grabbing 47 to Butler County's 23. The Jayhawks also established their dominance in the paint, scoring 58 points to the Pioneers 12 points.
The Jayhawks will next play on January 18th against No. 10 Sullivan County at Monroe County Community College at 5 p.m.