Hutchinson CC Sports Information
GREAT BEND – The Hutchinson Community College weren't in much of a mood to celebrate the program's 37th Jayhawk Conference championship on Monday night.
The Blue Dragons scored a season-low offensive output and committed 16 turnovers on a 63-59 loss to the Barton Cougars on Monday night.
The Blue Dragons (14-5) were still crowned outright Jayhawk West champions when Pratt defeated Dodge City later Monday night in Pratt. Now 14-5 in the Jayhawk West, the Blue Dragons have a two-game lead with one game to play. That game is Wednesday night against Colby in the Sports Arena.
For the second-straight road game, the Blue Dragons misfired offensively, shooting just 38.6 percent for the game (22 of 57). Hutchinson was 1 of 10 from 3-point range. Turnovers also played a huge role in the loss for Hutchinson. The Blue Dragons' 16 turnovers led to a 20-14 Barton advantage in points off turnovers.
Tied at 28 at halftime, the Cougars built a 54-41 lead with 7:15 to play in the second half after a Justin Harmon steal and layup. The Dragons made a late run with a 16-5 run. Matt Mayers' putback with 1:24 to play pulled Hutchinson with 59-57. After two Jaheim Holden free throws, Josh Baker sank a baseline 15-footer to cut the Dragon deficit to 61-59 with 36 seconds to go. The Dragons got a defensive stop on Barton's next possessions and had two chances to tie the game, but couldn't convert. Barton sank two game-clinching free throws by Shawn Warrior with 6 seconds to play.
Matt Mayers posted his 12th double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Blue Dragons. Majok Kuath had 15 points and six boards and Baker finished with 10 points. Stephan Gabriel was next with seven points.
Holden scored 17 points to lead four Barton players in double figures. DeSean Munson had 11 points while Harmon and Evans Kipruto had 10 points each.
The Cougars, who were held 26 points under their season scoring average, shot 41.3 percent for the game (26 of 63). Barton hit 6 of 25 from 3-point range and were 5 of 7 from the free throw line.