The Barton Community College women's basketball team used four decisive scoring runs and extended defensive lockdown stretches Saturday afternoon inside Fleske Fieldhouse to roll past Independence Community College, 74-40.
After surrendering the game's opening basket, the Cougars responded with the next 13 points and never trailed again. Barton later added a 12-0 surge spanning the first and second quarters to build a commanding 40-19 halftime advantage.
The defensive tone only intensified after the break. The Cougars pushed a 42-21 edge into a 52-22 cushion midway through the third quarter before delivering a 14-2 burst in the fourth to stretch the margin beyond 30. Independence endured scoreless stretches of approximately five minutes in the first quarter, six in the second, five more in the third, and four in the fourth, going nearly half the contest without a point. Barton's largest lead of 37 came in the final minute.
The victory moves the Cougars to 12-12 in Jayhawk Conference play and 13-15 overall, while Independence drops to 2-19 in league action and 5-22 on the season. Barton remains home Wednesday for a 5:30 p.m. tip against Seward County Community College, with sophomore recognition scheduled following the final regular-season home contest. The Cougars close out the regular season a week later on the road at Cowley College.
Regina Donanu led all scorers with 22 points, adding five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Mary Akinde recorded her 11th double-double of the season with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks, while Christal Long notched her second double-double of the year with 15 points and 12 rebounds, also tying her career high with six steals.
Independence was paced by Nyah Chandler's seven points. Jade Oliney added seven points and nine rebounds, while Danaiya Stillwell-Smith contributed six points, a team-high 10 rebounds, and four steals.