Seward County (16-5, 2-5) shot 48 percent (10-for-21) from the free-throw line and made only two three-point field goals (2-for-13) in their fifth loss in six games during Jayhawk West Conference competition.

Adam Tanner

Last night’s defeat equals the Saints amount of losses they had all of last season in the Jayhawk West, as SCCC finished in second place with an 11-5 conference mark.

The Saints once again were led by leading scorer, Adam Tanner, who scored a game-high 16 points and grabbed a team best eight rebounds. Tanner is now averaging 15 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this season.

Other Saints who had strong offensive nights were Keith Spencer (14 points) and Jerrell Green (12 points).

The key for Hutchinson (12-7, 4-2) last night was the effort they received from their non-starters. The Blue Dragons bench out-scored the Saints non-starters 37-13. Additionally, Hutchinson had two players come off the bench and score in double-figures including Kelvin Cayruth (11 points) and Nate Brumfield (15 points).

Hutchinson also had their problems at the free-throw line connecting on just 56 percent from the charity stripe (14-for-25). The Blue Dragons did however shoot well from three-point range shooting 44 percent (4-for-9).

The loss moves the Saints into last place in the Jayhawk West Conference and Hutchinson is now included in a four way tie for first place with Pratt, Cloud County and Dodge City .

The race for the Jayhawk West crown will stay intense during the remainder of the regular season. Currently every team in the West has at least two losses and no team has more than five losses.

The Saints will have this weekend off and will then be back at home on Wednesday, February 1 taking on Barton County Community College (14-6, 2-4) at the Green House. Tip-off for Wednesday night will be at 8:00 p.m.

BOX SCORE:
Seward County 62 at. Hutchinson 74 (Hutchinson, Kansas)