Blue Dragons tame Cougars
The Barton County men's basketball team dropped a 77-73 decision to Hutchinson Wednesday at the Sports Arena in Hutchinson. Barton fell to 14-6 overall and 3-3 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson is now 15-4, 3-2. 

Highlights
Hutchinson shot 70 percent from the floor in the second half to hold of the Cougars. Barton trailed by as many as 11 points early in the second half, but cut the margin to one point late in the game. The Blue Dragons hit 6-of-6 from the free throw line in the game's final minute to secure the win. This after hitting just 12-of-22 prior to that point.

The Cougars got off 22 more shots than Hutchinson in the second half, thanks to a 21-16 rebounding advantage and just two turnovers in the half. But Hutch hit 14-of-20 shots while Barton connected on 18-of-42.

Jesse McClung led five Cougars in double figures with a career-high 16 points. Omari Westley added 13 points and nine rebounds, but scored just two points in the second half. Jason Carter led the Cougars with five assists. Dainmon Gonner paced Hutchinson with 22 points, followed by Modibo Niakate with 18. Reggie Golson added 12 points and 10 rebounds, including a 4-of-4 effort from the free throw line in the final 30 seconds.

Next Up
The Cougars will have a week off before hosting Colby on Jan. 30 at the Barton County Gym. Tip for the contest with the Trojans, (14-6, 3-3) will be at 8 p.m.

Stats
Game boxes and cumulative stats can be found at the following website.

Barton County Men's Basketball Online at http://www.barton.cc.ks.us/sports/MB_01-02/mbasketball_01-02.htm