Hugoton’s Upset Bid Falls Short on Mullens Milestone Night

Hugoton led most of the game and had the ball with a chance to win.  But a couple of shots near the basket missed and Liberal escaped with a 41-40 win in front of a packed house in Hugoton Friday night.  Machia Mullens eclipsed the 1,000 point mark in her four year high school career  in the win.

Liberal led early 7-3 and 9-7 at the half.  Hugoton took control in the second quarter as Mullens and Aubrey Warden were both whistled for their second foul.  The Lady Eagles led 21-15 at half time.  The Lady Eagles kept the foot on the gas in the third quarter.  Hugoton led 32-23 before the Lady Redskins reeled in the final five points of the quarter to trail 32-28 at the end of three quarters.  Liberal cut the lead to 32-30 on an Audrey Gilmore steal and lay up.  Liberal tied the game at 34-34 on an Ashley Carrillo floater.  Hugoton took a 36-34 lead before Katie Horyna swished a left corner three pointer to give LHS a 37-36 lead with 3:10 to play.  Liberal took a 39-38 lead with 2:30 to play and Hugoton took a 40-39 lead with 1:48 to go.  Horyna knocked down two free throws for the 41-40 lead with 1:27 to play.  Liberal had the ball in the last minute as Hugoton used to fouls to get to two team fouls.  But on the ensuing inbound pass, Hugoton did not need to foul and stole the ball.  Liberal got the final stop, however, for the win.

Aubrey Warden had 11 points, five rebounds, three steals, and three blocks.  Machia Mullens had 10 points and six rebounds.  Katie Horyna had nine points.  Ashley Carrillo had six rebounds.  Mikyn Hamlin had 11 to lead Hugoton.  Gianna Vos had 10.

Liberal wins their 47th straight regular season game and 22nd straight on the road.  LHS is 13-0 and Hugoton is 7-4.