HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team pulled off a thrilling 81-80 win over Colby on Tuesday at the Sports Arena.
The Blue Dragons trailed Colby late in the second half, but Hutch rattled off 18 points in the final 1:38 to pick up the win and send the Sports Arena into a frenzy.
DJ Dudley was fouled after tying the game at 80 with 2.3 seconds to play. The sophomore knocked down the free throw to complete the three-point play and give Hutchinson (6-3, 2-1 KJCCC) the lead. Dudley finished with a game-high and a new career-high 29 points.
The Blue Dragons got back-to-back three-pointers knocked down by Jaquez Thornton, one coming with 14 seconds to play to pull within 77-75, and the other coming to pull Hutch within 79-78 with 8.5 seconds left.
Colby (6-3, 1-2) knocked down one of two free throw attempts with 7.4 seconds left to go up 80-78. Thornton drove 80 feet before dishing off a tough pass underneath to Dudley, who went up-and-under to convert the would-be game-winner.
The Blue Dragons were outrebounded in the win, 43-30, but still found a way.
Khalil Arnold provided a spark in the second half, scoring all 14 of his points in the final 20 minutes. Bobby Cannon had 12, while Thornton finished with 11 points and six assists.
Eternity Eguagie led the Trojans with 22 points, while Galus Meowuru M'Ella had 19.
The Blue Dragons will travel to Independence on Saturday to face the Pirates. Tipoff time is 4 p.m. from the ICC Fieldhouse. The game can be heard on KHUT-FM (102.9) and KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) with pregame coverage starting at 3:45 p.m.