The task of getting a sweep at the Indian Hills Classic was a daunting one. For that to happen the Barton men’s basketball team would have to knock off No. 7 Indian Hills on its home court.
But coming home without a win would have been disappointing. The Cougars ended right in the middle as Barton lost Friday night to nationally ranked Indians Hills then closed out play Saturday with a victory to come home with a split.
“We knew beating Indian Hills was going to be tough,” Barton Coach Craig Fletchall said. “They have several DI transfers and can shoot the ball pretty good.
“Obviously, we wanted to win two but we wanted at least one.”
Barton lost the opening night to the Warriors, 88-61. Saturday, the Cougars rolled to an 83-65 win over Western Iowa Tech. The Cougars are 2-2 on the young season while Indian Hills is now 2-1 after Rock Valley College upset them Saturday night. Western Iowa Tech fell to 1-4.
In picking up the win Saturday the Cougars rode the strength of a big second half. Barton led by just two at the intermission but used a 45-29 final 20 minutes to earn the easy win.
In fact, Barton trailed by nearly double digits in the opening stanza.
Iowa Western Tech led by nine midway through the opening half before Barton kicked it in gear to grab a 38-36 lead at intermission.
Barton dominated the second half on the way to the easy win.
Derek Dorn had a big weekend for Barton. The sophomore transfer from Seward County poured in 22 in the win, hitting 7-of-11 shots from the field. Four starter scored in double figures for Barton in the win. Ezekiel Charles added 13 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Tyrone Acuff added 12 and Dequandre Dentmond finished with 11.
The Cougars got off to a rough start Friday as well. Barton fell behind 7th ranked Indian Hills 13-2 out of the gates and trailed 32-16 with seven minutes to play in the opening half. Barton trailed by 18 at the break.
Dorn scored 18 in the loss and Charles added 13. Anthony Smith scored 11 off the bench and grabbed five board to lead Barton.
Jorge Rosa paced the Warriors with 26 points. The transfer from Florida A&M buried 7-of-9 treys.
Barton will get a midweek game against the Sterling College JV Wednesday at the Barton Gym before heading to Salina this weekend for the Brown Mackie Classic.
Barton and Sterling will tip at 7 p.m. Barton will play at 5 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday at the Brown Mackie Classic.
“We have an opportunity get some wins in front of us,” Coach Fletchall said. “We need to take advantage of that. Get the kids some confidence and start having some fun.”