DRAGONS EARN 12TH-STRAIGHT SEASON-OPENING VICTORY

Hutchinson CC Sports Information

LIBERAL – Sophomore Tyler Brown had career highs for points and 3-pointers to lead the No. 10-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team to its 12th consecutive season-opening victory on Friday at the Seward County/Pizza Hut Classic.

The Blue Dragons shot 66.7 percent in the second half to defeat Eastern Oklahoma State 93-74 at Seward County's Green House.

Hutchinson opened a season on the road for just the second time in 30 seasons and opened in a road classic for the first time since the 1988-89 season. The Blue Dragons are now 69-19 all-time in 88 season openers.

Brown knocked down a career-high 6 of 7 3-pointers for a career-high 20 points to lead the Blue Dragons.

Five Blue Dragons scored in double figure. Sophomore D.J. Mitchell had 14 points and five assists. Freshman Majok Kuath debuted with 14 points on 6 of 7 shooting.

Sophomore Saquan Singleton was 5 of 7 shooting for 12 points and a career-high seven assists. Freshman Josh Baker had 12 points.

The Blue Dragons shot 57.1 percent for the game, hitting 32 of 56 overall shots. The Dragons were 11 of 23 from 3-point range and 16 of 22 from the foul line. The Dragons out-rebounded Eastern Oklahoma State 50-27. Singleton had eight rebounds to lead Hutchinson.

The Blue Dragons held Eastern Oklahoma State to 34.2 percent overall shooting (26 of 76). EOSC hit 6 of 37 3-pointers and 12 of 17 from the foul line.

Hutchinson turned the ball over 29 times, while forcing only 11 Eastern turnovers.

The Blue Dragons led only 34-24 at halftime despite shooting 46.2 percent. Despite the numerous turnovers, the Dragons racked up 59 points in the second half, hitting 20 of 30 shots overall, including eight 3-pointers.

Hutchinson is now 3-1 all-time against Eastern Oklahoma State. The teams last played in 2009.