By TODD MOORE
Barton Sports Info
A conference opener and a rivalry, Wednesday's rematch of the 2024 Region 6 Championship produced everything it was billed for as it took overtime for the top ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team to escape with a 94-89 home victory over Hutchinson Community College.
As both teams shot over 47% and won each half by ten points, the 8th tie break was won by the Cougars in just their first overtime in 103 games by outscoring the Blue Dragons for their seventh straight win in the series.
Now 6-0 on the year following their 33rd straight win, the Cougars embark on a two-game road swing beginning Saturday for a 4:00 p.m. tip at Garden City Community followed by a Tuesday 8:00 p.m. tip at Cloud County Community College. Following the holiday break, the Cougars return home Saturday, November 30, for a 7:30 p.m. start hosting 24th ranked Cowley College.
Seven Cougars led a balanced double-digit scoring output, Keandre Kindell leading with 19 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
Aris Rodriguez added 16 points with Sebastian Muchitsch recording his first collegiate double-double on 16 points and 10 rebounds while tying Kindell with a team high 4 dimes.
Reigning Conference Player of the Week Brent Moss just missed a double-double performance with 12 points and 9 rebounds with Modibo Sanogo rounding out the starters with 10 points and 4 boards.
Coming off the bench Fontaine Williams contributed 11 points and 2 steals while Lucas N'Gombo scored all of his 10 points in first half action.
The Blue Dragons placed five in double figures being led by Ketraleus "Bo" Aldri's 21 points and 3 blocks. Dimitrius "DJ" Dudle added 16 points with Jaquez Thornton scoring 10 and dished out a game high 9 assists to just miss the double-double performance.
Hutchinson outscored the Barton bench by twenty-two, 17 points coming from Bobby Cannon with Kobe Smith dropping 4-of-4 behind the arc for 15 points to lead the advantage.