Phil Lee

LIBERAL, Kan. – The Seward County Community College men’s basketball team fell into a familiar pattern and lost to No. 5 ranked and Jayhawk-leading Cowley Community College, 69-43, Saturday at the Greenhouse.

The Saints fell to 2-12 in the Jayhawk Conference and 3-16 overall. Seward begins a stretch with four of its next five games on the road, beginning with a trip to Butler Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Seward was coming off a big win over Cloud on Wednesday, but could not capitalize on the momentum. The Saints started the game in a hole early, trailing 8-0, but used a 14-8 run to knot the game at 14 with just under eight minutes left in the first half. Cowley answered back an 18-5 spurt to close the half and take a 32-19 lead.

Seward tried to stay within range in the second half, but Cowley began pulling away midway through the half and cruised to the victory.

Kiku Parker had 11 points and Nfaba Mane added 10 points and five rebounds for Seward, which committed 24 turnovers.

Avante Nichols had 13 points, Marcus Whitlock Jr. scored 11 points and Shamarrie Hughie added 10 points for the Tigers, who improved to 13-1 in conference play and 18-2 overall.