Last week, Excelsior Springs served up two home games for varsity boys basketball fans. One was a thriller. One was not. Both were losses. The lopsided loss, 76-34, occurred Jan. 10 against Independence-based Truman. The visiting Patriots led 20-7 after one quarter and 39-10 at halftime. Truman edged Excelsior Springs 22-19 the third quarter and claimed the fourth quarter 15-5. Ball security hurt the Excelsior Springs boys, who committed 21 turnovers. The Patriots scored 26 points off those turnovers. Seniors Rakai Gantt, Trevor Stanton and Lucas Dillman led Excelsior Springs in scoring with six points each. Other scorers included sophomore Jake Zapata with five points; seniors Brendan Blackburn, Damari Wesley and Colson Moore with three each; and senior Ryan Gluhm with two. The thriller, 61-59, occurred Jan. 13 against undefeated Plattsburg on Courtwarming Night in a tussle of two ...