Conqs get blown out in sweep at Hutchinson

(Photo: Bre Rogers, HCC Sports Information Department)

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If there were any positive signs for Dodge City Community College’s basketball teams in Wednesday night’s doubleheader at Hutchinson, they came in the first few moments of the games. Hutchinson would dominate both of the games, winning the women’s contest 59-31 and then winning the men’s game, 94-53.

The Dodge City women met the Blue Dragons three weeks ago in Dodge City and that game was close at halftime, before HCC blew it open in the second half in a 30-point win. The close first half would not be the theme on Wednesday night, as the Blue Dragons quickly jumped out to a 16-6 lead after the opening quarter and never looked back.

There were a lot of similarities from the first meeting and Wednesday night’s game, both times the Conqs struggled to shoot the basketball. Dodge City was held to just 23 percent from the field in the loss and 22 percent in the first loss against the 10th ranked team in the nation. The Conqs only scored in double figures in the fourth quarter, as the first three quarters they were held in check with six, five, seven points respectively and then 13 in the final quarter. Ashia Pool led the Conqs with eight points, as no Conq scored in double figures in the contest.

The Blue Dragons proved exactly why they’re ranked No. 10 in the nation and have just one loss on the season. They shot 42 percent from the field and had two players in double figures, led by Jada Mickens’ 15 points and seven rebounds. Dejanae Roebuck also added a dozen for the Blue Dragons. Hutchinson was able to use their size as an advantage in the game, going to Mickens, Roebuck and Tijuana Kimbro off the bench when they needed a presence down low.

The Conq men struggled in all areas of Wednesday night’s game, as they were blown out of the Sports Arena in Hutchinson. Dodge City led 4-2 with just under two minutes gone in the first half, but that would be their only lead and the Blue Dragons would never look back and would win in dominating fashion.

When these two teams met back three weeks ago, the Blue Dragons needed overtime to win inside of the Student Activity Center, but that would definitely not be the case on Wednesday.

Dodge City would have two players score in double figures in the loss. Jyrus Freels posted another double-digit outing with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Justice Dixon added 10 points off of the bench. The Conqs shot it just 27 percent from the field, while the Blue Dragons shot 53 percent.

Hutchinson had three players score in double figures in the win. James Rojas led the way with 24 points and six rebounds off of the bench. D.J. Mitchell also added 18 off of the Blue Dragon bench. Saquan Singleton was the only Hutchinson player to score in double figures from the starting lineup. The Blue Dragons were extremely balanced, having every player that got into the game scoring at least one point.

The Conqs have now dropped 10 straight contests and have a tough final three games at Garden City, home vs. Pratt and then at NW Kansas Tech to end the season.

The Dodge City women (13-14, 8-10 KJCCC) and Conq men (7-20, 2-16) will travel to Garden City on Saturday to take on the Broncbusters. The women will tip at 2 p.m. with the men to follow from Conestoga Arena. You can hear all of the action on your home for the Conqs, 98.1 FM, westernkansasnews.com/kskz or on the Z98.1 Mobile App.