Overland Park, KS -- The Iowa Western Reivers opened the 2019 Johnson County Winter Classic with a 63-61 victory over 10-3 Highland (KS) Friday (12/13) evening; and in doing so extended their season-long winning streak to five games.

The Reivers came out with tough-nosed defense, holding the Scotties to just 29 points in the game's first half and building as much as a 13 point cushion near intermission.  In the contest's second frame, Iowa Western's hot shooting went cold and the 10 win team from Highland, KS seized the moment and the lead with 7:21 to go.  However, Iowa Western who had outplayed Highland most of the affair never panicked and resumed control; maintaining the lead the final 5-plus minutes of play; while holding the Scotties to a season-low in total points (61) to earn the victory.

Iowa Western was led by Bryce Fitzgerald's 19 points, Josiah Strong's 15 points, and Damontrez Ruffin's 14 points.

The Iowa Western win, coupled with Johnson County's win over North Iowa Area later in the evening, sets up a unique twist in the schedule. Both teams will play one another in a "de facto championship" game Saturday (12/14) afternoon for the second time in just seven days.  The Reiver handed Johnson County only their second loss of the season last weekend to win the 2019 Iowa Western Classic at Reiver Arena. Tip time between the Reivers and Cavaliers is slated for 4:00 pm.