The Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team locked down defensively on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena, defeating Colby 50-42 behind a strong third-quarter performance.
The Blue Dragons improved to 22-5 overall and 17-4 in KJCCC play, extending their winning streak to seven games.
Kaia Smith led the Blue Dragons with 12 points and seven rebounds, adding four assists. Delora Pricop came off the bench to score 10 points, hitting two 3-pointers.
Katie Duncan contributed eight points and five assists, while KaMyra Barber and Noelle Anthon both added six points.
The Blue Dragons shot 35.1 percent from the field (20 of 57), including 6 out of 3-point range, and got a perfect 4 for 4 from the free-throw line. Hutchinson also outrebounded Colby 33-29 and finished with 17 assists.
Hutchinson made Colby turn the ball over 21 times.
Hutchinson outscored Colby 19-6 in the third quarter. Tied 31-31 with 5:18 in the third, Duncan hit a 3-pointer that sparked a 13-0 run. After a second Duncan three-ball, Pricop drained a 3-pointer to make it a 42-31 lead for the Blue Dragons.
Colby was led by Amisha Russell with 12 points on four 3-pointers. Dessirae Ulmer added 10 points, while Elia Ando scored six points off the bench.
The Trojans shot 37.8 percent from the field (17-for-45) and 30.8 percent from beyond the arc (4-for-13).
The teams were tied 25-25 at halftime after a competitive first half that featured multiple lead changes.
Hutchinson created separation in the third quarter with multiple players contributing. The Blue Dragons held Colby to six points in the period while forcing turnovers and building a 44-31 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Colby attempted to rally late, cutting the deficit to eight points, but the Dragons maintained control down the stretch to secure the conference victory.
GAME NOTES – The Blue Dragons improved to 22-5 overall and 17-4 in KJCCC play. … Hutchinson extended its winning streak to seven games. … The Dragons improved to 18-2 this season when outrebounding their opponent. … Hutchinson forced 21 Colby turnovers and recorded 10 steals. … Kaia Smith led the team with 12 points and seven rebounds. … Delora Pricop scored 10 points off the bench on 4-of-6 shooting. … Hutchinson is now 11-2 at home this season.
