April 26, 2024

Conq women win, men upset by Hutchinson in final second

Photo courtesy of Dodge City Athletics

DODGE CITY–Aaron Franklin made two free throws with less than one second remaining Saturday to give Hutchinson a 113-112 win over No. 8 Dodge City, and the Conq women pulled away in the fourth quarter to win 69-55 in a doubleheader at the Student Activities Center.

In the men’s game, both teams used quick spurts in a back-and-forth second half. Late in the game, with Dodge City in need of a takeaway, Chris Robinson stole a pass from Ra’Sean Frederick and took it the other way to give the Conqs the lead with 10 seconds remaining. But Franklin got a contested shot off just before the buzzer, Jason Edwards fouled him in the process, Franklin made both foul shots and gave Hutchinson a one-point win.

Though the Conqs shot 61.5% from the field in the contest, they were out-rebounded 43-27, which resulted in Hutchinson attempting 19 more shots. The Blue Dragons also got 45 points off the bench.

Jason Edwards led the way for Dodge City with 28 points, but Shawn Warrior also chipped in a career-high 26. Five Conqs made their way into double figures in points, and Chris Robinson and DJ Jones combined for 17 assists. 

Both of Dodge City’s losses have come by one point and both were decided in the final second of each game.

Saturday’s loss marked the end of a 20-game home winning streak and a 10-game winning streak overall by Dodge City.

The No. 8 Conquistadors fall to 10-2 (6-1 KJCCC) with the win and return to action Monday when they host Cloud County. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.

In the women’s game, Dodge City led most of the game and pulled away in the fourth quarter for a comfortable but important victory. The Conqs started the final frame with a key 7-0 run, which proved to be the decisive turning point in the game.

Four Conqs reached double figures, with Jada Burton and Leah Mafua each tallying 15 points.

Dodge City owned the interior, outscoring Hutchinson 36-6 in the painted area. The defense was suffocating too, as they held the Blue Dragons below 33% from the field. 

Saturday’s win marked the fourth-straight for Dodge City and the 10th-straight at home.

The No. 21 Conquistadors improve to 11-2 (6-1 KJCCC) with the win and return to action Monday when they host Cloud County. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT.