By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Wichita Collegiate Spartans had a game on their hands through almost three quarters on Wednesday, but eventually their pace wore out Colby 58-46.
Wichita Collegiate put together a pair of 7-0 runs in the first quarter to lead Colby 14-9 after one.
Collegiate stretched its lead to 28-20 at the half. Sophomore Gradey Dick had 12 first half points to pace the Spartans.
Colby tightened things up with a 6-0 run coming out of the locker room and the battle was on.
Five points from Jack Duarte and a steal and Grady Dick slam stretched what was a one point game late in the third back to an eight point Collegiate lead at 40-32 after three quarters.
Collegiate kept their foot on the gas in the fourth quarter and closed out their quarterfinal win by 12 points.
Dick led Collegiate with 21 points, Duarte added 17. The Spartans will get the winner of Beloit and Nemaha Central at 4:45 p.m. on Friday.