HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 13 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team was unable to overcome a slow start and fell 66-56 to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on Thursday at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons dropped to 2-1 on the season, while the Lady Norse improved to 3-0.
NEO jumped out to a 23-10 lead after the first quarter and held a 35-27 advantage at halftime. Hutchinson rallied to pull within eight entering the fourth, but was held to just 12 points over the final 10 minutes.
Saniyah Morrison led NEO with a game-high 21 points on 7 of 13 shooting, adding five rebounds and six assists. Ana Carolina added 12 points, and guards Montay Davis and Taiona Morris each scored nine. The Lady Norse shot 42.4% from the field and went 6 of 15 from beyond the arc.
Katie Duncan led Hutchinson with 15 points, including two of the Dragons’ six 3-pointers. KaMyra Barber added 13 points and eight rebounds, and Whitney Brown finished with 12. Dylan Alexander recorded a double-double with six points and a team-high 11 rebounds, while Noelle Anthon pulled down 10 boards.
Hutchinson shot 32.8% from the floor and committed 27 turnovers, which NEO converted into key points in transition. The Lady Norse also held a 16-10 advantage in steals.
The Blue Dragons return to action Saturday at home against Neosho County. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.