Dragons Overcome Seward’s Upset Bid

Missed free throws down the stretch stood between the Saints and an upset over #11 Hutchinson. In a game played with a high volume of fouls down the stretch, Seward missed too many free throws to win. They were 20-31 for the game and 16-27 in the second half but most of the misses came in the closing minutes as Hutchinson won 87-85 in the Green House. Despite his 35 point 12 rebound game, Niem Stevenson missed five straight free throws down the stretch but wasn’t alone in his struggles late from 16 feet six inches.

Seward led 44-35 at the half. The Saints led most of the game and seemed to be in good shape when Hutchinson’s top two players, St. John’s signee Bashir Ahmed and New Mexico signee Keanu Pinder, fouled out. Seward led 80-76 with just over three minutes to play. But Hutchinson was 28-36 at the line for 77 percent. The Blue Dragons out rebounded the Saints 49-35.

Niem Stevenson scored 35 points with 12 rebounds. Delano Jones scored 14 points with six rebounds. Hutchinson’s Ahmed had 32 points with 11 rebounds. Hutchinson is 24-3 and 13-3 in the Jayhawk while Seward is 17-8 and 7-7. The Saints have lost three straight. Seward hosts Barton for homecoming Saturday night at 8 on 107.5 and kscbnews.net. Pizza Hut is the buyout sponsor.