HUTCHINSON, Kan. —Cloud County (12-8, 8-6) looked poised for the season sweep of Hutchinson (14-6, 8-6) after besting the Dragons by 15 in November and jumping out to an 8-0 lead Sunday.
Things quickly changed after back-to-back Aaron Franklin trays sparked a 23-10 run.
The Dragons built a 10-point lead headed into the break after the Dragons made 8 of 20 three-pointers. The Thunderbirds, meanwhile, went 0-5 from distance in the first half and finished the game just 1 of 9.
Three Dragons scored in double figures, led by Franklin's 19.
Jayden Garrison scored 18 and and Ra'Sean Frederick added 14.
Corey Sawyer led the way for Cloud County with 26 points on 6 of 8 shooting. The bulk of his damage was done from the free throw line, where he hit 14 of 17.
Cheikh Sow's And-1 with 2:18 remaining deadlocked the game at 80 after Hutchinson led by as many as 13 in the contest.
Hutchinson went up 84-82 with 39 seconds left after an offensive rebound led to a Garrison baseline jumper.
Hutchinson held defensively and put the game on ice at the free throw line.
FINAL: Hutchinson 88 Cloud County 82
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