The Barton Community College women’s basketball team shook off a slow start Saturday afternoon, closing the game with its best stretch to earn a 60–53 Jayhawk Conference victory over Coffeyville Community College at Fleske Fieldhouse.
After managing just six points in the opening quarter, Barton settled in defensively and began chipping away, holding Coffeyville to six second-quarter points to head into halftime tied at 23.
Seven straight points midway through the third quarter, followed by another seven-point burst late in the frame that stretched across the quarter break, put Barton in front for good. The Cougars maintained a two-possession cushion the rest of the way before closing on a decisive six-point run to extend the margin to ten for the second time, the final coming with 2:14 remaining. Defensive pressure forced Coffeyville into empty possessions down the stretch, while timely buckets and trips to the free-throw line sealed the outcome and snapped Barton’s three-game slide in the series.
The season’s third consecutive victory improves Barton to 7–9 in Jayhawk Conference play and 9–13 overall, while Coffeyville, receiving votes in the latest national poll, slips to 11–5 in conference and 17–5 on the season.
Barton heads back on the road Wednesday for another key Jayhawk matchup, making the short trip for a 5:30 p.m. tip at No. 20 Hutchinson Community College.
The Cougars finished with a 44–33 rebounding edge, including 14 offensive boards that fueled second-chance opportunities and a points-in-the-paint advantage.
Christal Long delivered a workmanlike near double-double with 12 rebounds and 8 points with 3 steals, while Mary Akinde added 11 points and 10 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season.
Alaina Eck led all scorers with 14 points, Mersadie Spray chipped in 13, Kodi Greer knocked down a pair of late first half three-pointers helping Barton to the halftime gridlock in finishing with 8 points, and Regina Donanu contributed 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, matching Spray with team-high honors in assists.
Coffeyville was paced by Isabella Pehrson’s 15 points, with Esme Smith adding 14 points and 9 rebounds.
