Balanced Effort Sends Saints to Region 6 Quarterfinal

LIBERAL, Kan. – For the first time since 2018-19, the Seward County men's basketball squad has won a postseason game.

Seward (19-12) defeated the Colby Trojans 82-66 in the opening round of the Region 6 Tournament on Saturday evening in The Greenhouse. It marks the Saints' first postseason win since 2018-19 when they made a run to the national tournament. First-year coach Austin Downing has led Seward to its most wins in a season since 2018-19 as well.

The Saints had four score in double-digits led by 16 off the bench from Antonio Williams Jr., who made his return from injury after missing the last four games. Awit Mamer finished with 11 points, six assists and five rebounds. Lucas N'Gombo had 11 points and seven rebounds while Lyna Brooks Jr. added 11 off the bench. Seward had 48 bench points compared to Colby's nine.

Brooks Powers finished with 10 assists and no turnovers. The 10 assists are the most by a Saint this season.

Seward had a season-high 29 assists in the game and shot 17-37 from three-point range, also a season-high. Despite shooting just nine free throws (5-9) compared to Colby's 25 (20-25), the Saints earned the 16-point win. They led by as much as 21.

Colby's largest lead of the game was six and it came early as Seward trailed 9-3 just two and a half minutes in. JJ Chapman gave Seward its first lead, making it 17-16 with 12:29 remaining in the first half. Seward never trailed again. They led 38-31 at the half.

Coffeyville awaits Seward in the quarterfinal round at Nellis Hall on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.