CHEYENNE, Wyoming – Laramie County Community College men's basketball team could not hold a late lead Wednesday evening as the Golden Eagles fell to Otero Junior College 79-78 at RAC Gymnasium.

Laramie County (8-7, 2-1) forced the Rattlers into 20 turnovers, but got out rebounded 51-34 in the game.

In the first nine minutes of action, the Golden Eagles held the edge with a couple of three-pointers. Midway through the first half, Otero would get an offensive rebound and put back that gave them their first lead of the game. Both team traded baskets, with neither team able to take more than a three-point lead till the half. Otero took a 40-37 halftime lead.

In the early minutes of the second half, the Rattlers extended their lead to eight points. Over the next six minutes, the Golden Eagles started to heat up offensively. Alfonzo Anderson and Ola Ayodele lead LCCC on a 19-3 run. That gave LCCC a six point lead midway through the second half. With 1:48 remaining, Otero hit a three to cut the lead to one but Da'Zhon Wyche answered back on the other end. The Rattlers scored again on a lay in with 52 seconds remaining to cut the lead to one. LCCC's Wyche jumper was short and the Rattlers were able to take the lead with 8.2 left on the clock. Wyche pushed the floor and put up a runner that fell to the right and the tip-in on the miss fell short giving the Rattlers the win.

Anderson led all scorers with 19 points, six rebounds and four steals. Ayodele added 18 points and four assists. Dominik Heinzl chipped in with 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Golden Eagles struggled from the three-point line and foul line shooting 15.4 percent from the three-point line and 53.3 percent from the foul line.

LCCC stays at home for Saturday matchup with Trinidad State Junior College. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at RAC Gymnasium.