Cougars snap skid; Burton goes for 29, Beatty for 22
The Barton Community College men's basketball team put the brakes on a 3-game losing streak Saturday night with an 83-71 win over Dodge City at the Barton Gym. The Cougars took the lead early in the contest and never trailed on the way to the win. Karon Burton scored 29 and Colin Beatty 22 to pace the Cougars in the highest scoring output in Jayhawk West play. Barton improved to 4-7 in the West and 14-11 overall. Dodge is now 4-7 also with an overall mark of 16-9. The Cougars will take to the road in a big game for seeding purposes in the upcoming Region VI tournament with a trip to Garden City. Garden is 3-7 in the West and 12-12 overall.
Highlights
Barton bolted out to leads of 12-2, 17-3, 21-5 and eventually 27-7 just 8 minutes into the contest. The offensive efficiency of the Cougars was as good as it has been for some time. The 83 points matched a high in West play this season. The 50 percent the Cougars hit from the field was the highest in West action and the 1st time Barton reached that mark since a Shoot Out win over Fort Scott. It was just the 4th time all season Barton shot 50 percent or better.
Barton led by as many as 23 points in the contest during the 2nd half of action and by as many as 18 in the final minute. Burton turned in his 2nd best effort of the year with 29 points. It was the 3rd highest total of the year for a Cougar topped only by Burton's 36 back in November and Beatty's 30 at Brown Mackie. Beatty added 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Cougars to record his 10th double double of the season. Joe Reid added 11 points. Burton also had 8 assists and 3 steals to pace the Cougars in those categories. Dodge City was led by Chuck Coley with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Coming off the 82-point effort in Seward Wednesday, Barton scored in the 80's in back-to-back for the 1st time this season against non JV foes. Barton hit 48 percent from the field in the loss at Seward prior to the 50 percent Saturday, giving signs the Barton offense may be finding a flow.
Barton is back to the court Wednesday in Garden City as the two teams battle with Dodge City for the 6th spot in the West. Cloud County is a couple games clear in the loss column for 5th right now after a big road win at Pratt Saturday. Pratt currently holds that last home playoff spot with 4 losses.
Stats
Stats can be found at www.bartonccc.edu/sports
Next
Feb 10 – at Garden 7:30 pm (Jayhawk West play at the Perryman Complex in Garden City)
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Check out Barton Basketball Online at www.bartonccc.edu/sports