HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Jones' first trip to the national tournament since 2017 was short-lived as the Bobcats fell 84-73 to No. 14 Panola College in the opening round Sunday afternoon.

Despite the early exit, the 2023-24 season was a memorable one with a 27-7 record -- the third-most wins in program history -- and MACCC, Region 23 and Gulf District Championships.

Panola, 27-6, will meet the No. 2 overall seed Monday night in South Plains.

It couldn't have gotten off to a better start for Jones, with the Bobcats scoring the game's first nine points.

LJ Hackman hit a three and Dimp Pernell a layup at the 16:44-mark to make it 9-0 Jones.

Panola scored the next five before Jones stretched the lead back to 21-13.

That's when the three-ball started to rain for the Ponies.

They would hit seven in the first half as part of a 16-2 run to take the lead for good.

Ky Pernell's jumper made it 38-34 Panola at half.

What was a 52-46 Panola lead quickly ballooned to double digits after an 8-0 run.

The Ponies led by as many as 24 with 4:20 to play before a strong finish by the Bobcats pulled the final within 11.

Four of Jones' five starters finished in double figures, with Kylan Howze going for 11 and 11. Ky had 19, Dimp 18 and Hackman 13.

The Panola bench outscored Jones 34-6.

The Ponies hit 13 threes in total and shot 44 percent against 36 percent shooting for the Bobcats.