#8 Seward Knocked Off By #20 Midland

On the heels of a big win Friday night against #23 Odessa, the #8 Seward County Lady Saints road didn't get any easier on Saturday night as they took on #20 Midland on the road in Texas.  Seward got off to a slow start and never quite could get over the hump against the Chaparrals, falling 77-67 for their first loss of the 2015-2016 season. 

After getting off to a blazing hot start the night before, the Lady Saints had trouble getting going on Saturday night as they battled Midland on their home floor.  However, like Friday, Seward's defense was locked in early on against the Chaps as they led Midland 6-3 after six minutes of action Saturday.  Things picked up as the first quarter was wrapping up and in just 3:59, Seward's 6-3 lead turned into a 17-14 deficit at the end of the period. 

The Lady Saints continued to have trouble holding down a potent Midland attack as the second quarter began and midway through the 10 minute period, the Chaparrals extended their lead to 34-25. Seward dug their heels in, holding Midland without a field goal for the final 4:55 of the half, but was only able to get to within five as the final horn of the first half sounded with the Chaps on top 35-30. 

Both teams came out hot to start the second half, but in the first five minutes of the third quarter, the Chaps were able to extend their lead to six at 46-40.  The Lady Saints continued to score, but continued also to be unable to slow down Midland.  Following a 24 point third quarter, the Chaparrals led the Lady Saints by a score of 59-52. 

Seward hung with the Chaps as the fourth quarter got underway, but just never could get over the proverbial hump.  It remained a seven point game midway through the quarter and in the end, it was Midland coming away with a 77-67 win to hand Seward their first loss of the season. 

Seward shot just 36% in the loss while Midland was a tick better at 44% on the night.  The Lady Saints put up 34 three point attempts on the night, connecting on only nine while the Chaps were 10 of 26 for 39%.  Another telling stat line in the Seward loss was a 24-9 advantage for Midland at the free throw line where the Chaps were only called for seven total fouls on the night on their home floor while Seward was whistled for 20. 

Joanna Grymek was again solid for the Lady Saints, going a perfect 5 for 5 from the field, leading Seward with 14 points in the loss while Tiani White also added 14 for the Lady Saints. 

The Lady Saints suffer their first loss of the season, falling to 5-1 while the win pushes Midland to an impressive 7-1 early season record. 

Seward returns home this weekend for their final non-conference action of the season as they take on Fort Carson on Friday and Frank Phillips on Saturday in the Billy's/Days Inn Classic in the Greenhouse. 

#8 SEWARD COUNTY/#20 MIDLAND BOX SCORE