HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 9 Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team overcame a sluggish start and poor shooting to defeat Colby 59-49 in the Region VI Tournament quarterfinals Tuesday at the Sports Arena.
The Blue Dragons will face No. 20 Coffeyville (25-5) in the semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. The Red Ravens defeated Seward County 61-50 on Tuesday.
HutchCC (28-3) shot just 32% from the field, including 4 of 30 from 3-point range. Katie Duncan made three of the four 3-pointers and finished with 11 points, including a basket to end the third quarter that gave the Blue Dragons a 37-36 lead.
Both teams struggled offensively early, as Colby (16-16) led 9-6 after the first quarter. Hutchinson shot 3-for-18 from the field in the opening period, including 0-for-8 from 3-point range.
The Blue Dragons’ shooting woes continued in the second quarter, and Colby took a 23-20 lead into halftime. The Trojans extended their lead to 27-20 early in the third quarter before Hutchinson began to rally. Duncan’s runner at the end of the period gave the Blue Dragons their first lead since 18-16 in the second quarter.
Hutchinson built on its momentum in the fourth quarter, extending its lead to as many as 18 points.
Hailey Jackson led the Blue Dragons with 17 points, 15 of which came in the second half. Jada Pleasant also scored in double figures with 11 points.