ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The No. 15 Dragons (21-3, 16-2) trailed No. 9 Cowley (21-4, 16-3) by 14 with 10:56 to play Wednesday night.
The deficit came after Hutchinson held a 46-44 advantage at the break.
Cowley shot 50% to begin the second half while Hutchinson mustered only 25%.
That all changed in the final 7:40.
Kobe Smith scored a career-high 20 points off the bench.
His steal and layup with 21 seconds left put Hutchinson up 85-83. Smith was fouled on the play, but missed on the ensuing free throw.
Cowley's Jeff Nwankwo took back the lead on a triple with 14 seconds remaining.
Nwankwo finished with a career-high 33 points on 12-of-21 shooting, including 6-of-9 from deep.
Smith calmly hit a jumper with 1.8 seconds remaining to put Hutchinson back up 87-86.
After a Hutchinson timeout, Damare Smith turned the ball over on a three-quarters court heave.
Kam Thomas intercepted the desperation attempt and the buzzer sounded.
A late whistle was sounded when Nwankwo wrapped up Thomas. After review, officials put 1.1 back on the clock and sent Thomas to the line.
The 82% free-throw shooter hit just one-of-two attempts.
The Tigers opted for a shorter pass on the following inbound and settled for a three-quarters court shot from Arzhonte Dallas. His attempt at the horn was wide left.
FINAL: Hutchinson 88 Cowley 86
Hutchinson shot 53% during the last 7:40 and held Cowley to 33%.
Tino Simon posted his fourth-straight double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Thomas added 15 points and seven boards.
The Dragons are now 8-0 on the road.
Hutchinson returns home Saturday, Feb. 17, to face No. 22 Butler (19-5, 14-4) at 4 p.m.
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