OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Fresh off an upset win over no. 8 North Central Missouri College, Highland extended its unbeaten start to the season to four games with a pair of wins at the JCCC Classic. Late baskets by Adriel Smith led to both wins, with a driving layup with three seconds left sealing a 69-68 win over Southwestern Community College (1-2) and four free-throw makes in the final 15 seconds delivered an 81-77 upset of no. 19 Iowa Lakes Community College (1-3) on Saturday.

After trading three-pointers with the Spartans to open the game, Highland roared out on a 14-2 run capped by a Miguel Villegas three. Leading 17-5 after the first five minutes, the Scotties held on to a double-figure lead for most of the first half and took a 42-33 lead into the locker room at the half.

Southwestern surged out of the intermission, narrowing Highland's lead to 48-45 with 13:29 left. Theo Alexander Ohnell capped the Spartan run with a steal and a fastbreak layup.

Despite hitting a cool stretch, Highland was able to shrug off the initial challenge and extended its lead back to double digits. A layup by Jaden Williams put the Scotties back in front 59-46 with just under nine minutes left to play.

The Spartans were able to rediscover their shooting rhythm slightly faster than Highland, setting up a pitched battle over the final minute as Ohnell drew a foul after another steal and making both free throws to tie the score at 65-65.

Colton Knoll drew a foul with 22 seconds left and connected on both free throws to put Highland up 67-65, but Southwestern was able to answer with an Ohnell three to take its first lead of the contest.

After a full timeout, Highland was left with six seconds to find a bucket, and Adriel Smith was up to the challenge, bringing the ball upcourt and slashing through traffic for an easy lay-in. SWCC was unable to control the inbounds pass and the horn sounded.

Highland led wire-to-wire in Saturday's upset win over the Lakers, stretching as far as an 18-point lead in the first half and easily weathering a second-half comeback attempt by Iowa Lakes.

The Scotties continue their five-game road swing next Wednesday, heading to Sioux City, Iowa to take on Western Iowa Tech. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.