For the first time this season, and in dramatic fashion, both Coffeyville teams were defeated on game-winning shots. The women fell to Independence 68-66, while the men were beaten 70-67.
The Red Raven women rode into Independence on a 5-game winning streak, and early on in the contest, the team seemed to be rolling. Faith Simpson racked up several points inside and put Independence on notice. Coffeyville would build its lead to as much as 9, but the Pirates would keep themselves in single-digit range the entire game. Both teams racked up several turnovers over the course of the game, but Coffeyville's would hurt more, as Independence soon mixed in successful drives and outside shooting to come back and eventually take the lead. Trailing by 3, Martina Aeschliman would hit a game-tying shot from the corner to tie the ballgame up, and after Independence couldn't score on their final possession, the game would head into extra time.
The overtime period was just as close as the regulation periods, with both teams trading basket for basket. Simpson, playing on 4 personal fouls, took several trips to the line as she continued her dominance inside. However, with the game tied at 66, Independence got one final chance at the basket. Delani Harris would miss a shot from the right block, but got her own rebound and put it back in with under 2 second remaining. A final heave would fall short, and Coffeyville's winning streak came to a close. Simpson recorded a season-high 26 points in the loss. Coffeyville falls to 8-3 on the season and 7-3 in Jayhawk Conference play.
Coffeyville's men entered their game on a 13-win unbeaten streak, but as will often happen in a rivalry matchup, the game was kept close. Tylor Perry got particularly hot, hitting two three-pointers and adding a few free throws as well to At the half, Coffeyville led by 9 at 37-28. Out of the locker rooms, Independence would score the first two baskets, but Coffeyville ripped off a 15-0 run in just over a minute to take their largest lead of the game at 52-32. However, much like the momentum had suddenly shifted for Coffeyville, it would abruptly change directions for Independence. For the next 15 minutes, the Pirates would slowly chip away at the Ravens' lead, while Coffeyville went cold from pretty much everywhere on the floor. Independence would finally catch up with just over a minute remaining, and with the score tied at 67, Madison Munroe drilled a three-pointer from the corner to snap Coffeyville's unbeaten season. Tensions flared after the game, with both teams and several students from the Independence side coming together on the court. Perry and Love Bettis each led Coffeyville at 15 points. The Red Ravens fall to 13-1 on the season, and 11-1 in the conference.
Both teams hit the road once again Saturday for a matchup with Butler. You can catch both games, as always, on US98.1, KUSN.
