By Ian Applegate
The No. 11 Seward County Lady Saints made it tough on themselves again, overcoming a 15-point deficit for a second straight game to defeat the Dodge City Conquistadors 63-51. The win marked the 10th straight for the Lady Saints.
Dodge City jumped out to an early 6-2 lead to start the game after a slow Seward start. The Lady Saints used a 5-0 run to take a one-point lead, but it was all Dodge for the remainder of the quarter as Seward scored just two more points the rest of the opening period. Just before the end of the quarter, the Conqs connected on a three to take a 12-9.
Kalen Green hit a three to start the third quarter to tie the game, but the Lady Saints followed with a seven minute scoring drought, while the Conqs went on a 13-0 run.Jaylyn Cage ended the drought with a layup to make it 27-14. After trailing by 15 points, tied for the largest deficit of the season, the Lady Saints cut into the deficit to 10 points at halftime with a Carla Covane jumpshot to beat the buzzer.
After the Conqs hit their opening shot, the Lady Saints used a furry of shots to complete the monumental comeback. Midway through the quarter the Lady Saints cut the Dodge lead to two points with a steal and fastbreak basket by Silvia Veloso. After back and forth play, Karolina Szydlowska connected on a three to give the Lady Saints their first lead since the opening quarter. Another three by Veloso before the end of the quarter gave Seward a 47-45 lead.
The Seward defense turned it on in the final quarter, holding the Conqs to just six points as the Lady Saints extended their lead to double-digits. Seward held Dodge scoreless for the first five minutes before the Conqs hit a jump shot, but it was far too late as the Lady Saints were firmly in control. A shot by Veloso put Seward up by 12 with a minute to go, securing the 63-51 win for the Lady Saints.
Despite the early struggles, the Lady Saints shot 45.6 percent (26-for-57) from the floor and 38.1 percent (8-for-21) from behind the arc. Seward shot just seven free throws in the game, going 3-for-7. The Conqs shot 35.9 percent (23-for-64) from the field, but just 21.4 percent (3-for-14) from deep.
Silvia Veloso led the Lady Saints with 17 points, while tying her career-high with seven steals. Karolina Szydlowska finished with 13 points and Carla Covane complete her fourth double-double in five games, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 boards.
Seward will be back in action on Monday (Jan. 21) when they host Neosho County in the Greenhouse. The game will start at 6:00 p.m. Tickets picked up for the original Jan. 12 date will be accepted for the Monday make up date.