Liberal, Kansas – After dominating their competition over the past few weeks, the Seward County Lady Saints win streak was laid to rest inside of the Green House as SCCC fell on their home court 73-60 to the nationally ranked #18 Butler Lady Grizzlies where despite keeping it close, late turnovers proved to be the downfall for Seward County.
Butler started the game off strong with a 10-1 run to open the game before Ari Gordon was finally able to score off a steal by Jamia Carter to cut the deficit to five midways through the first. Three straight scores in the post by Allie Myers helped the Lady Saints claw back to within three 14-11 by another big 7-0 run by the visiting Lady Grizzlies put SCCC behind 21-11 after the first ten minutes.
Despite Seward County trailing by double digits the Lady Saints never backed down from their nationally ranked foe as Gordon and Kayla Peoples combined for a 6-0 run to remain within reach while a pair of free throws at the line by Xoe Rosalez cut it to single figures 30-21 entering the media timeout. Carter shocked the crowd with a nifty step-back triple to silence the Lady Grizzlies and a three by Peoples put the momentum in favor of the green and white as they entered halftime down 39-31 to Butler.
Gordon opened the second half by making her presence known on the defensive end with a big block that ended up in the hands of Rosalez who sped her way down the court for a coast-to-coast score. Peoples made her way down the lane with ease and kicked it out to an open Myers on the wing who sunk the mid-range jumper to keep SCCC in the game while a strong offensive rebound by Gordon led to a corner three from Alianna Colon to help keep hope alive 53-44 entering the final quarter.
Two big buckets from Peoples and Myers to open the fourth allowed the Lady Saints to keep the gap at seven but that was as close as SCCC would get with costly turnovers in the middle of the quarter allowed Butler to grow their lead back out to double figures. A quick fast break score from Rosalez off a Gordon steal combined with a score of her own for Gordon allowed the Lady Saints to reach the 60-point mark was unable to catch the Lady Grizzlies, falling 73-60 at home.
Myers ended the game with another double-double added to her resume with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Gordon led the Lady Saints in scoring with 15 points while snatching 4 steals and blocking 3 shots.
Seward County now falls to 12-9 on the 2023-24 season as they see their five-game win streak end while now moving to 8-7 in conference action against their Jayhawk adversaries. They will turn around quickly as they will turn around quickly when they face NW Kansas Tech on the road in Goodland this Saturday with tip-off scheduled for 5:00 PM CST. Saints Shoot-around at 4:45 on 107.5.
