by (Hillsboro, KS) – The No. 18 Haskell Indian Nations University Lady Indians basketball team improved to (9-2) on the season after traveling on the road to defeat the No. 21 Tabor Bluejays by a final score of 60-55.
This was the second win for Haskell over the Tabor Bluejays this season as the the two teams previously met in Lawrence in early November.
Keli Warrior (Ponca Tribe) scored a game-high 17 points to lead the Indians and she pulled down 9 rebounds and dished 4 assists. She was followed by senior Arnetia Begay (Navajo) who had 14 points and 4 assists as well.
In the first quarter, the Indians struggled from the field on 5-11 shooting and committed 9 turnovers that helped Tabor jump out to a 19-10 lead. The Indians defensive pressure forced 7 turnovers in the second quarter and allowed Haskell to cut into the Bluejays nine point lead.
Unable to get any shots to fall in the first two quarters from behind the arc (0-7) Haskell was only able to close the Bluejays lead to seven points as the Tabor would hold 32-25 lead over the Indians heading into the half.
At the end of the third quarter, the Haskell was able to close the lead to 43-45 on the Bluejays after Tyler Sumpter (Paiute) was able to finally connect from behind the arc for a pair of three-pointers near the end of the quarter. Sumpter would finish with 13 points in the game.
In the final quarter, Haskell’s Keli Warrior and Arnetia Begay took over for the Indians who were able to get it done at the free throw line by making (8-10) from the charity stripe.
The Indians earned their 4th win over a nationally ranked team (3rd on the road) this season and improved to (9-2).
Next up for Haskell women’s basketball is another road trip to Bethany, Oklahoma where they will take on Southwestern Christian University on December 12th. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM CST.
Tyler Sumpter is also Cheyenne from the C & A Tribes of Oklahoma. Please note. Thanks.