The Pratt Community College Women's Basketball team falter late in the game and lose to number 11 nationally ranked Seward County Community College71-68.
The home standing Beavers led by as many as 14 points in the first half over perennial power Seward and went into the locker room at the half leading by nine 42-33. The offensive transition game caught Seward by surprise with many transition baskets coming from Beavers Courtney Cleveland, Rylee Alexander and others as Pratt controlled the action the first 20 minutes.
Pratt's inspired play continued throughout the third period with the Beavers ballooning the lead out to 15 points. Freshman Jaz George who is arguably Pratt's best on ball defender and one of the better defenders in league went down with a pulled quad toward the end of the period. Pratt led by nine points after three periods of play but the momentum was starting to swing as the fourth period started.
Two long range 3-pointers by reigning Jayhawk Conference player of the week Silva Veloso and 6'3 post Carla Covane's old fashion 3-point play proved to be the difference. Pratt trailing 71-68 used its fifth and final timeout with around four seconds remaining to advance the ball and get one final possession to try and force overtime. Coming out of the timeout, Pratt's leading scoring on the season, Alexander and one of the Jayhawks very best 3 point threats ran off of a great back screen set for her by Freshman teammate Janell Douvier.
The backscreen drew two Seward defenders to Alexander, allowing Douvier with a pretty clean look at a game tying and overtime sending 3 point attempt. Alexander scored a game high with 16 points and 11 rebounds for a double double. Alexander and Douvier chipped in with 14 and 12 points respectfully.
Seward was led in scoring by Carla Covane with a team high 15 points.
The return match in Liberal at Seward is scheduled for Saturday Feb. 9 at 6 p.m.