Thomas scores career-high 28, but Hutchinson falls to Independence 91-89 in overtime
Information obtained from HCC officials
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Daleron Thomas scored a career-high 28 points and forced overtime with a late layup, but Hutchinson Community College couldn't hold off Independence in the extra period, falling 91-89 on Wednesday night, Jan. 28, at the Sports Arena.
Sterling Knox hit a jump shot from the short corner with 0.4 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Pirates the victory and complete a season sweep of the Blue Dragons.
The loss extended Hutchinson's losing streak to five games — its longest since the 1964-65 season — and dropped the Blue Dragons to 10-11 overall and 5-10 in Jayhawk Conference play. Independence improved to 12-8 overall and 10-5 in league play.
Thomas, a sophomore, shot 10-for-17 from the field and knocked down two 3-pointers. He scored the first five points of the game and all six of Hutchinson's points in overtime, including a pair of free throws that tied the game at 89-89 with 10 seconds left.
Lolo Rudolph also had a career night with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting. Rudolph added a 3-pointer and tied a season high with five rebounds.
Bobby Cannon scored 17 points and Anthony Alston added 10 for the Blue Dragons, who shot 46.9% from the field (30-for-64), 36.4% from 3-point range (8-for-22) and 67.7% from the free-throw line (21-for-31).
David Wilson led Independence with 21 points. The Pirates shot 39.2% from the field but connected on 41.7% from 3-point range and 82.6% from the free-throw line (19-for-23). Independence outscored Hutchinson 35-10 in bench points.
Hutchinson led by as many as 17 points in the first half and held a 42-30 advantage at halftime. The Blue Dragons extended their lead to 60-45 with 12:57 left in regulation before Independence rallied.
The Pirates outscored Hutchinson 17-8 from the final media timeout to force overtime.
Chudier Dorar grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds, becoming the first Blue Dragons player to reach that mark since Aaron Franklin. Dilen Miller played a season-high 26 minutes.
Hutchinson leads the all-time series 57-27, including 21-6 at home. The Blue Dragons will travel to face Seward County on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 4 p.m.