Seward County defeats McCook 87-51 in the Christmas Classic

LIBERAL, Kan. - Seward County Community College defeated McCook Community College 87-51 to conclude the first day of the Seward County basketball Christmas classic in the Greenhouse. The Lady Saints jumped to a 26-11 lead after the first quarter and extended their lead with a 23-7 run in the second quarter. Seward County will now face No. 6 Trinity Valley Community College tomorrow on the final day of the Christmas classic at 4 p.m. in the Greenhouse. With the victory tonight, Seward County improves to 8-4 this season.

D'Arrah Allen led the Lady Saints with 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Halima Salat and Kylee Hunt provided 14 points, and Tiana Winn also provided 11.

Seward County never trailed in the contest as they struck first with a three by Halima Salat to start the game. Halfway through the first quarter, the Lady Saints had a 14-5 advantage and went on a 10-4 run to take a 24-9 lead. The Lady Saints led 26-11 over the Indians at the end of the first quarter and had momentum going into the second quarter.

The second started with a 6-0 run by Seward County to extend their lead 32-11 after a Kylee Hunt midrange jumper. The Lady Saints continued to pour it on as they rallied again with a 10-3 run and led 43-14 over the Indians. The Lady Saints finished the second quarter with a 49-18 advantage after D'Arrah Allen connected on a pair of free throws in the final 20 seconds.

Jaylin Johnson connected on a midrange jump shot with 7:56 left in the third quarter as Seward County took a 57-21 advantage. Halfway through the quarter, the Lady Saints jumped out to a commanding 65-21 that forced a McCook timeout. The Indians came out of the timeout, went on a 9-5 run, and cut the Lady Saints' lead down to 70-30. Seward County concluded the third quarter with a 74-35 lead over McCook.

In the fourth quarter, the Indians continued to battle against the Saints, but Seward County already had a significant lead. Tiana Winn connected had a layup with 6:20 left in the contest to extend the Lady Saints' lead 81-43 over the Indians. Seward County finished the game with an 87-51 victory. 

The Saints will take on No. 6 Trinity Valley at 4 p.m. CT on the final day of the Seward County Basketball Christmas Classic in the Greenhouse.