CEDAR RAPIDS - The Iowa Central men once again put together a strong first half. 

But once again, they were denied a trip to the win column, coming up short at No. 19 Kirkwood on Saturday, 66-61.

After leading 35-30 at the break, the Tritons (4-7 overall, 4-7 in ICCAC) were outscored over the final 20 minutes, 36-26 by the Eagles (6-6, 6-6).

Javonte Keck scored 20 points with six rebounds to lead the way while PJ Ngambi added 18 with four assists. Cham Deng and Jordan Majeed each had six points with Jayden Stephens and Uzo Dibiamaka adding four each. 

Stephens also had five rebounds and three steals with Dibiamaka adding four rebounds. 

For Kirkwood, Da'Quavion Walker scored 13 points while four other players added nine each.

The Tritons return home on Wednesday night to host ninth-ranked Iowa Lakes. The Lakers (9-3, 9-3) picked up a 95-73 decision over Marshalltown on Saturday.

-By Dana Becker