HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The top seed in the NJCAA tournament survived what their coach called a true road game on Tuesday afternoon at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
Mineral Area defeated Hutchinson 80-77 in the first game of the tournament for the Cardinals. The game wasn't decided until Hutchinson's Josh Baker missed a three to tie in the final seconds and the Cardinals were able to run out the clock.
Mineral Area was led by Malevy Leons 21 points, Terrion Murdix added 16, Keonte Jones and Kevin Stone each had 11 for the Cardinals.
Stephan Gabriel paced the Blue Dragons with 27 in the losing effort, Josh Baker had 19 and Majok Kuath 13. Matt Mayers was held to just 9 points.
Mineral Area will face Cowley College Thursday at 2 p.m. Hutchinson ends its season at 19-7.