Double-downer: Comets’ losing skid hits 15 after back-to-back losses to Haskell

LAWRENCE, Kan. ­— The Cottey Comet basketball team found themselves overmatched on Jan. 30 against Haskell Indian Nations University, falling 73-51. This was the first of three meetings against Haskell, an Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) conference opponent.

Cottey (0-15) got off to a slow start offensively, thanks in large part to Haskell’s full-court pressure from their speedy lineup, forcing the Comets into 11 turnovers in the first quarter.

In the second, Cottey began to settle into the game, and was able to chip away at the lead, narrowing the gap to a six-point deficit late in the first half. The Comets entered halftime down by 10 points.

Cottey opened the second half with increased intensity, and quickly trimmed Haskell’s lead from 10 to five.

Cottey shot a higher percentage from the floor compared to their counterparts, and out-rebounded Haskell by 23 on the night. Haskell’s full-court pressure, however, continued to cause havoc for the Comets down the stretch, as turnovers plagued Cottey throughout the 22-point loss.

“We’re excited to have two more chances to play against Haskell,” said Comets’ head coach Stephanie Beason after last Wednesday’s road loss. “Their trapping pressure caused problems for us throughout the game. But I have no doubt that we will adjust and be better prepared for them on Tuesday, when they come to our place.”

The Comets were led by junior guard Kelsey Acton with a team-high 22 points, to go along with seven rebounds. Kasey Acton and Katrina Cantu contributed nine rebounds each.

In the second matchup Tuesday night in Nevada, the Comets were downed by Haskell, 92-49.

Editor’s note: The Cottey Comet athletic contributed to this report