Stong Second Half Pushes Liberal to Sub State Win

The Ark City Bulldogs came to play. The seven seeded Bulldogs limped into the Big House after a four hour bus ride with just five wins to their name. Ark City took an early 8-2 lead and led 28-21 just before half. But the Redskins responded out scoring the Bulldogs 39-24 in the second half to claim a 62-52 win in the first round of 5A sub state Wednesday night in the Big House. It’s Liberal’s first playoff win since a 2013 win at Maize South and first home playoff win since a 2012 win over Newton.

The Bulldogs made their first three shots including two three pointers. But LHS clawed back to lead 17-16 after one. Foul trouble sidelined Liberal’s Deladris Green and Timothy Fitzgerald much of the second quarter as Ark City took the lead into the lockeroom at halftime.

The Redskins finally got the lead back at 31-28 with a Cade Hinkle three at the 3:25 mark and LHS led 37-36 after three. Liberal led throughout the fourth quarter making just enough free throws as they were 20-29 at the line and Ark City was 18-22. The Redskins made just 2-13 from three point range and shot 44 percent from the field.

Deladris Green scored 21 with seven rebounds. It’s Lad’s seventh game scoring over 20 points.

Liberal is 16-5 and Ark City finishes 5-16. The Redskins host 14-7 Maize Friday night at 6 on 1270 and kscbnews.net. The Eagles rallied past Goddard 70-55 in Maize Wednesday night. Redskin Pre-game begins at 5:45.