BAKER’S FIRST START MEMORABLE IN DRAGON WIN OVER CHAPS

Hutchinson CC Sports Information

LIBERAL – Freshman Josh Baker stepped into the starting lineup on Saturday to lead the No. 10-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team to a 2-0 record at the Seward County/Pizza Hut Classic.

Baker scored 25 points in nearly 28 minutes to lead the Blue Dragons past the Midland Chaps 79-59 at the Green House.

With Friday's victory over Eastern Oklahoma State, the Blue Dragons improved to 2-0 to start the season. Hutch opened a season on the road for only the second time in the past 30 seasons. Midland falls to 0-2.

Baker hit 7 of 9 total shots, going 4 of 5 from 3-point range and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to lead the Dragons. Baker capped off a strong first weekend as a Blue Dragons. He had 13 points in Friday's victory.

The Blue Dragons shot better than 50 percent for the second-straight game, shooting 51.1 percent, hitting 24 of 47 overall shots from the field. Hutch hit 9 of 16 3-pointers and 16 of 22 from the free-throw line. Hutch out-rebounded Midland 35-29.

The big improvement for the Dragons was only 13 turnovers after 29 against Eastern Oklahoma State on Friday. The Dragons also had a huge advance in the paint, outscoring Midland 24-4.

Three Blue Dragons scored in double figures. Sophomore Tyler Brown finished with 15 points on 4 of 6 shooting. Freshman Josh Ursery came off the bench to hit three 3-pointers for 11 points. Sophomore Saquan Singleton had nine points. Fred Odhiambo and Clarence King had seven points each.

Midland shot just 29.4 percent for the game, hitting 15 of 51 overall shots. The Chaps hit 11 of 35 3-pointers.

Amani Harris had 21 points and Derick Ogechi had 18 for Midland.

The Blue Dragons won their third-straight game over Midland. The teams hadn't played since 2005.

Hutchinson will play Murray State and Labette in the Blue Dragon Classic on Friday and Saturday at the Sports Arena.