By DAREN DUNN
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the third time in as many games, No. 21 Hutchinson (3-0) found itself in an early hole.
NEO (1-2) took a quick 6-0 lead with only two minutes off the clock. Hutchinson got back-to-back triples over the next two minutes to close the gap.
With 3:43 left in the first quarter, Hutchinson took the lead and never looked back.
The game was tied for a little more than two minutes and Hutchinson led for 33:42. The Dragons had a narrow 16-14 lead after one and turned that into a 36-29 halftime lead behind Mya Williams' 15 points. Williams had double digits at the break for a second night in a row. Like Friday night, Williams struggled to score in the second half, she finished with 22 points and four rebounds.
The Dragons featured three players in double-digit scoring: Williams (22), Mele Kailahi (16) and Janaya Washington (11).
Washington hit 2 of 4 three-point attempts while Kailahi made 3 of 7. The duo had five of the team's eight made threes.
Hutchinson assisted on 15 of 21 made baskets. Kailahi paved the way with six assists.
NEO got a solid outing from Kristina Ekofo, who had 13 points and 12 rebounds. Danelle Arigbabu just missed a double-double with nine points and 11 boards.
Hutchinson scored 24 points on 24 Lady Norse turnovers.
FINAL: Hutchinson 66 NEO 51