By EARL WATT

• Leader & Times

Northwest Kansas Tech had a chance early, but they couldn’t capitalize on a slow start by the Lady Saints. The early-game struggles faded quickly, and the Lady Saints dominated the Lady Mavericks, 86-48 in the final non-conference game.

Seward had one of its toughest offensive starts all season.

The Lady Saints trailed 12-8 midway through the first half.

Tech had its chance in those 10 minutes, and then it was gone.

The Lady Saints started to find their target, and they converted Lady Maverick turnovers into points. Seward went on a 21-2 run over the next six minutes to take a 29-14 lead, and Tech never recovered.

By half, the Lady Saints were able to keep the advantage, 37-21.

The run continued for Seward in the second half. The Lady Saints never allowed Tech to make a run, and the Lady Saints cruised by outscoring the Lady Mavs 49-27 in the second half for the 86-49 win.

The Lady Saints defense, something that coach Toby Wynn made a team focus after returning from San Diego, forced th Lady Mavericks into 37 turnovers. The Lady Saints also outrebounded Tech 54-44 including 11 from Payton Fleming who also scored 14 points for a double double.

Shanise Brooks led all scorers with 17 points, Korina Chapman had 14 as did Fleming, and Jyndal Davis scored 12.

The Lady Saints (15-1) will travel to Garden City (7-7) Saturday to open the Jayhawk West Conference schedule. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

BOX SCORE

NW Kansas Tech (48)

Thomas 5-11 1-1 11, Demosthene 5-11 2-3 12, Bile 1-9 2-2 4, Mayberry 3-7 0-0 7, Boyd 1-6 0-0 3, Brown 0-5 0-0 0, Smith 1-1 0-0 2, Hall 1-3 0-0 2, Mayek 3-6 1-3 7, Brittmon 0-4 0-0 0, Goodson 0-1 0-0 0

Seward County (86)

Chapman 6-10 2-2 14, Brooks 7-14 3-5 17, Simon 3-7 0-0 6, Monte 1-9 2-2 4, Scott 5-17 0-0 10, Davis 5-9 2-2 12, Hatchard 1-5 2-2 5, Fleming 6-13 2-2 14, Tammen 2-2 0-0 4