The 9th ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team broke open a close contest late Tuesday on the road to hold off North Platte Community College 74-71.

In a first half that saw neither team hold more than a four point advantage, Barton was finally able to build a nine point lead with under three minutes to play but had to survive a last second missed three-point shot to escape with the victory.

Improving to 6-0 in closing out the non-conference portion of the early slate, Barton opens up conference play Saturday hosting Independence Community College in a 4:00 p.m. tip-off.  North Platte, who owns a victory over KJCCC member Colby Community College, falls to 2-2 on the year.

Reigning conference player of the week Myles Thompson led the Cougars with 19 points and 10 rebounds in posting his 3rd double-double of the season.  Brent Moss added a career high 17 points with Keandre Kindell adding 13 points and distributing a team high 7 assists. 

The Knights outshot Barton 50% to 42% and made a pair more long range shots but the Cougars' plus-7 rebound edge and plus-7 at the charity stripe helped Barton survive the road trip.