ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Hutchinson (8-3, 2-3) fell out of the rankings this week after two losses in a three-game span.
In both losses, Hutchinson scored just 75 points.
That tally might be strong for a half-court offense and a game played to value each and every possession. However, fans have come to love the controlled chaos head coach Tommy DeSalme brought to Dragon Nation last year, which features a high volume of shots, full-court pressure and stoppages for the ball sailing out of bounds.
That high-flying offense scored the second-most points in a single game (139) against Labette in the Sports Arena just four games into the season.
The road conference competition has not been kind to the Dragons, ranked as high as No. 4 in the second week of the poll.
Hutchinson lost Wednesday at Cowley (7-3, 2-3) despite putting up 80 shots (43.8%).
Cowley took a mere four-point lead into the halftime break, but — once again — Hutchinson came out flat in the second half.
In the second frame, the Dragons were outscored 53-41.
Aaron Franklin scored 29 points, but he also played 10 more minutes (35 total) than coach DeSalme would like in the up-and-down chaotic pace.
Ty Frierson put up 23 points in 24 minutes.
The Dragons live and die by the three. Hutchinson made just 8 of 33 treys (24.2%) while Cowley drained 9 of 19 attempts (47.4%).
Only 16 points came from the Dragon bench.
Meanwhile, Cowley had four reserves score 14 or more points, led by Raishaun Brown's 17.
Tiger starter Mekhi Cameron tied Franklin's effort with 29 points. He made good on 5 of his 9 attempts from distance.
Cowley shot 59.1% overall on 66 total shots.
FINAL: Cowley 111 Hutchinson 95
In its three losses, Hutchinson has averaged 81.6 points while giving up 100.6.
Hutchinson started the season at No. 13 and rocketed to No. 4 in the nation after a 6-0 start. Two losses in three games dropped the Dragons to the "receiving votes" category in the poll. The latest loss will not be figured into the poll until the new rankings on Dec. 2.
Hutchinson has a road contest at Butler (9-2, 3-2) Saturday.
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