The Seward County Saints led by as many as 16 in the first half only to see the Independence Pirates rally in the second half as the Pirates prevailed 74-64 Saturday afternoon and evening in the ICC Fieldhouse in Independence. Indy out scored the Saints 40-24 in the second half.
Seward got off to a great offensive start taking leads of 13-8, 26-13, 31-15, 33-20, 35-22, 38-25, and 40-28 before settling for a 40-34 lead at the half.
The Pirates quickly carved into the lead in the second half. The Saints played without injured point guard Kiku Parker. ICC used their press to force Seward turnovers which led to Independence transition opportunities. Indy claimed a 55-50 lead before the Saints tied it at 55-55. But the Saints were unable to get off the deck after a 9-0 run by the Pirates for a 64-55 lead.
Indy forced 19 Seward turnovers and led points off turnovers 28-8. Seward shot 50 percent making 5-13 from three and 11-18 at the foul line. Independence shot 48 percent making 9-25 three pointers and 17-23 from the foul line. The Saints out rebounded ICC 32-24.
Loic Affouman had a career night and was Epic Touch Player of the Game with 19 points and nine rebounds. Muhammed Jobe had 14 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Carson Bennett added 11.
Independence snaps a five game losing skid and improves to 12-15 overall and 8-13 in the KJCCC. Seward loses their eighth straight falling to 3-23 overall and 2-19 in the Jayhawk. Seward plays at Coffeyville Wednesday night at 7:30 on 107.5.
