DRAGON WOMEN USE BIG 2ND HALF TO TOP BARTON

Hutch CC Sports Information

The No. 20 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team found a spark in the second half to create some separation in a low-scoring affair, defeating the Barton Cougars 49-38 Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

Hutchinson improves to an 18-5 overall record and 13-4 in KJCCC play.

KaMyra Barber led the Blue Dragons with 14 points, 11 rebounds, five steals, and three assists. Barber also got her 17^th double-figure scoring game of the year, fourth double-figure rebounding game, and a career high with five steals.

Whitney Brown and Katie Duncan each added nine points and Brown contributed four steals.

Noelle Anthon finished with five points and five rebounds. Delora Pricop had a season-high six rebounds.

Hutchinson totaled 36 rebounds, 12 assists, and three blocked shots while limiting Barton to just one 3-pointer.

Barton jumped out to an early lead, holding Hutchinson to only two points in the first quarter and taking a 5-2 lead. Hutchinson's two points tied the lowest-scoring quarter in the team's history.

That feat didn't last long as Hutchinson responded in the second quarter, outscoring Barton 13-10 and tying the game 15-15 at halftime.

The Blue Dragons took control of the game in the third quarter, outscoring Barton 18-11. Barber sparked the surge with seven points as the Blue Dragons built a 33-26 lead entering the final period.

The Blue Dragons kept their momentum up in the final period, extending their lead to double digits after two 3-pointers from Brown. Hutchinson also dominated transition opportunities, scoring 16 fast-break points compared to Barton's four.

Hutchinson secured the game late as Anthon scored a layup off an assist from Jaden Wilson with just over a minute remaining to push the lead to 49-38.

Mary Akinde led Barton with 13 points and 16 rebounds, while Regina Donanu added 14 points for the Cougars.

The Blue Dragons used a strong defensive performance, holding Barton to 29.6% shooting and forcing 22 turnovers. Hutchinson finished the game shooting 35.1 percent (20-57) from the field and 5-of-18 from 3-point range while collecting 13 steals and scoring 18 points off Barton turnovers.

Game Notes – The Dragons improved to a 10-3 home record. Hutchinson is now 18-5, 13-4 in the KJCCC. This is Blue Dragons' seventh straight win over Barton and fifth straight home win against the Cougars. Wednesday's game tied for the fewest number of points scored by a Dragons opponent in a quarter with the first quarter score being 5-2. Barton's 38 points is the least amount of points allowed by Hutchinson this season.