INDEPENDENCE, Kan. - The Independence Women’s Basketball team went toe to toe with Cloud County in the final game of the regular season, eventually falling short in a 72-60 loss on Wednesday night. 

After one quarter, the two teams were nearly deadlocked across the board, as both teams shot about 40% from the field, each made one shot from deep, and both went 50% from the free throw line as the Pirates held onto a slight two point lead. 

Cloud County remained consistent in their shooting numbers into the second quarter as the Pirates started to run into some struggles, as the two teams went to the halftime locker room with Cloud County clinging to a slim three point lead. 

Entering the fourth quarter, after an evenly played third quarter, the T-Birds still holding on to their three point lead, began to pull away down the stretch. With Cloud leading 58-55 at the five minute mark, the T-Birds finished the game on a 14-5 run, ultimately icing the game at the free throw line down the stretch. 

The free throw line was where Cloud County was really able to take advantage as they finished the night shooting 65% from the stripe, compared to the Pirates shooting just 45%. The T-Birds also had a slight advantage shooting from the field, shooting 40% overall to the Pirates 33%. Indy outrebounded the T-Birds 52-44 and also got big time production from their bench, who accounted for 41 of their 60 points.

Danaiaya Stillwell-Smith led the way for Indy with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Jade Oliney had a double-double off the bench with 10 points 10 rebounds, and pitched in a game high six assists. Joy Biribebe also pulled down 10 rebounds in the loss. 

The loss ends the Lady Pirates season as they also lost a coin flip with Fort Hays Tech for the 12th and final playoff spot as both teams finished the year 2-22 in conference play. Indy finished the season 5-25 overall.