El Dorado, KS- The Cloud County men got a much needed road victory at Butler County Saturday evening. The T-Birds held a narrow lead throughout and were able to hold off the defending league champions winning by a final score of 78-73.

It was Cloud County Head Coach Chad Eshbaugh's 100th win as a collegiate Head Coach. All 100 have come at the helm for the Thunderbirds. His overall record is now 100-69. 

The T-Birds entered the game at just over 61% shooting from the free throw line on the season, which ranked near the bottom of the league. On Saturday, Cloud sunk 21-22 free throws, compared to Butler's 14-20. It was the first time in league play that the Thunderbirds made more free throws than their opponent.

Sophomore Demonte Ojinnaka turned in perhaps his strongest performance this year. He led all scorers with 27 points and 11 rebounds. The Silver Spring, MD native hit big shots all night to counter Butler's attempts to gain momentum. 

Ojinnaka got 18 of his 27 in the first half and helped Cloud take a 40-35 lead into the halftime break. Sophomore forward Cardarius Williams got in foul trouble and played just three minutes in the first half. 

Aamahne Santos hit three second half threes and scored 14 of his 17 in the second half. Henry Cornelious also had a huge night. Cornelious scored eight points in the final three minutes to fend off the Grizzlies and propel Cloud to a 78-73 win. He finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds on the night. 

The win gets Cloud off to a good start in the second semester. The T-Birds limped into Christmas break on a five game losing streak and searching for answers. Cloud is now 8-8 overall and 1-4 in Jayhawk Conference play.

Eshbaugh's T-Birds hope to continue the momentum on Wednesday, January 6th as they play host to a talented Coffeyville team who returns a large portion of their 2014-15 Jayhawk East Championship team that finished the year 26-6.