OVERLAND PARK — Turns out Allen Community College wasn’t in the mood to share anything.
The Red Devil men secured their first outright Jayhawk Conference title in 33 years Thursday, by defeating Johnson County Community College, 60-54.
It was the second time in four days ACC had to tangle with Johnson County, which entered the week ranked fifth in NJCAA, Division II play.
And just like they did earlier in the week, in a hard-fought home win over JCCC, the Red Devils had all the answers at the end.
Zabriel Boozer knocked down several key shots to keep ACC’s slim advantage.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils did not allow a field goal in the final two minutes.
Ed Wright led Allen with 15 points. Boozer finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Cedric Rollerson finished with eight points and eight assists.
After COVID-19 protocols forced the postponement of the first Allen-Johnson County matchup to this week, the two top teams in the conference had to battle it out for conference supremacy in the final week of the regular season.
Had Johnson won both games, the Cavaliers would have secured the top spot. A split would have left the teams tied for first.
But Thursday’s win gave Allen the outright title, the first for the program since 1989.
With the win, Allen (24-5 and 13-1 in KJCCC play) sets its sights on the Region VI playoffs, which open Monday at home against Labette. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
Allen swept both regular season games, winning 81-71 on the road Jan. 12, and 75-59 at home Feb. 5.
IN WOMEN’S action, a cold third quarter sank Allen’s hopes of victory against the powerful Cavalier squad.
The Red Devils led 25-20 at the break before Johnson County went on a 15-6 run to take the lead in a 55-46 victory.
Naomi Smith scored 15 and Narissa Blackwell seven for the Red Devils.
Allen (10-15 overall and 6-8 in conference action) also will be in action Monday to open the Region Vi playoffs, at Highland. Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m.
