HIGHLAND, Kan. - For the second time in as many contests, Highland (10-5) found itself in the middle of a highly physical matchup, but the Scotties were able to prevail on Wednesday. A desperate last-second shot was well off the mark as HCC claimed a 64-63 win over St. Louis Community College (6-10) inside Ben Allen Field House. Tavian Tate was again strong from the free throw line for the Scotties, hitting 12 of his 14 attempts en route to a 21 point night.

The Archers struck first, but Tate knocked down a three-pointer on the feed from EJ Coleman to put the Scotties in front. Highland held on to the lead for the majority of the first half, with St. Louis only able to muster a one-point edge twice - 12-11 at the 11:37 mark and 22-21 with 7:08 to play.

Highland took a 33-32 lead into the locker room and extended to a 35-32 lead on a jumper by Jaden Williams. A Tate triple extend the Scotties' lead to 38-34 with 17:58 on the board, but St. Louis managed to scratch to level terms in just over 30 seconds. Miyel Taylor finished off the four-point surge for the Archers by converting a CJ Lang steal after a pair of free throw makes by Chris Cole.

The Scotties held firm, as a three-point play from DJ Thomas put Highland in front 55-47 with 8:30 to play. HCC was briefly able to extend to its first double-digit lead of the night, as Justin Hayes was assessed a technical foul for his reaction to drawing his fifth foul against Williams. Tate calmly knocked down the first two free throws and Williams followed with a pair of makes to give the Scotties a 61-51 lead with 6:01 left.

St. Louis was able to close the gap, however, even managing to take a 63-62 lead under a minute as Taylor drew contact from Xavier Ikemefuna - the fifth of the night for the Scottie forward - and knocked down both free throws.

After surviving a tie-up with 31.8 seconds left, Colton Knoll spun through the lane and banked home a layup for a 64-63 Scottie lead, earning a three-point play on the bucket. Knoll wasn't able to complete the three-point play and Williams wasn't able to convert the second chance attempt, but the scramble left the Archers in desperation mode.

Highland raced back on defense, keeping the Archers from finding an easy drive. As Taylor took possession of the ball, Adriel Smith collapsed on help defense with Williams, pestering Taylor into an off-balance shot that rattled off the right side of the rim and into the hands of Knoll.

The Scotties continue their three-game home stand on Monday, hosting Western Iowa Tech. Tipoff for the game is set for 6 p.m.