The Manhattan high boys basketball teams’ dream season came to a bitter close on Wednesday night as the 7th seeded Junior Blues of Washburn Rural upset the 2nd seeded Indians 59-58 in a class 6A Sub State Semi Final.
Manhattan led 12-5 after the first quarter but found themselves trailing by two at the half 27-25. Manhattan was much better in the third quarter taking a 40-35 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Junior Blues did all of their damage from the free throw line and Manhattan couldn’t hit enough shots down the stretch. Washburn Rural hit 18 of 24 free throws in the fourth quarter while Manhattan hit just one for three from the line in the final quarter. Overall, the Junior Blues were plus 17 in the free throw differential.
Manhattan shot 46% from the floor but hit only five of 24 from three point range.
The Tribe had three players in double figures. Gabe Awbrey led the Indians with 14 points. Trevor Hudgins and Pierson McAtee each pitched in with 13.
Manhattan finishes the season at 18-3, they won their first Centennial League title this season. The 18 wins is tied for the most wins in the regular season in school history.
