The Knoxville boys basketball squad had a seemingly safe 24 point lead over Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont going into the fourth quarter, but had to hold on for dear life in an 82-73 win. The Panthers held a 64-40 advantage after the third quarter but the Rockets went on a 27-7 run to get the lead as close as four, but the Panthers clinched it at the free throw line as freshman Luke Keitges made 6/8 in the final minutes. The Panthers also had to play without their top two scorers, Kieren Nichols and Spencer Hixon for the final 1:15 of the game as they both fouled out. Coach Jeff Larson told KRLS Sports Keitges, and others were able to step up and take over when needed.

Larson:
“We just told the guys, get the ball inbounds, and get fouled and make a shot or two. He’s the one who did, Mike made one, Ben struggled a bit, but it’s all in his head a little bit, but he’s doing a lot of good things for us beside shooting free throws.”

Nichols erupted for a career high 39 points to lead Knoxville in the scoring department. The Panthers are 5-1 on the season and 4-0 in the South Central Conference. Knoxville will host Bondurant-Farrar on January third when the season resumes.