AMES - Kennedy dug itself into a 16-point hole Saturday in Ames, then dug itself out.

The Cougars scored 16 straight points in the second half to erase a 48-32 deficit and trimmed the Little Cyclones, 61-57.

The score was tied, 57-57, in the final minutes when Kennedy Coach Jon McKowen told his club to hold the ball for the final shot. The strategy paid off and A.J. Carter hit two free throws with 21 seconds left to give the Cougars a 59-57 lead.

Ames (6-8) committed a turnover and the Cougars (11-2) left town with a hard-fought victory.

Cole Murdock drilled six 3-pointers and scored 21 points for Kennedy. Carter finished with 15 points.

KENNEDY (61): Daniels 3 0-0 7, Carter 5 4-4 14, Jacobus 1 0-0 3, Murdock 6 3-4 21, Buck 0 2-2 2, Heisler 2 3-5 7, Holzer 1 0-3 2, Heitland 2 0-2 4. Totals 20 12-20 61.

AMES (57): Straub 5 6-8 16, Shane 2 4-5 9, Rathe 3 2-2 10, Shane 1 4-4 6, Dempsey 0 0-2 0, Frankl 3 1-4 8, White 2 2-4 6, Weiss 1 0-0 2. Totals 17 20-30 57.

Halftime - Ames 40, Kennedy 28. 3-point goals - Kennedy 9 (Murdock 6, Daniels 1, Carter 1, Jacobus 1), Ames 4 (Rathe 2, Shane 1, Frankl 1).