LIBERAL GIRLS 67, PANTHERS 40 — Second verse, same as the first. 

Liberal's girls triggered a running clock for the second time against the Great Bend girls with a dominating 67-40 Western Athletic Conference basketball victory. Liberal won the first meeting 73-44.

Liberal standout Shamari Lewis cruised through with 17 points and several steals that led to layups. Kylie Rhine busted loose for a 14-point first quarter before missing six consecutive shots.

At times, Great Bend's defense performed superbly with nine blocked shots. DeShawnna Bryant contributed nine points with several assists and steals. Cassie Ellegood showed progress with an 8-point night, and several blocks and steals. 

The Panthers did a commendable job driving the ball to the basket. But 14 of 28 free throw shooting prevented the Panthers from making the final score closer.

Liberal's full-court defense overwhelmed the Panthers in the first period en route to a 29-10 lead. The Redskins attacked the basket and converted 19 of 26 free throws.

Great Bend (4-11, 0-4 WAC) finished with 25 turnovers. 

"It's hard to simulate that pressure in practice," said Great Bend coach Jade Winter, who earned style points wearing a eye-popping red coat. "When you have a tall girl on the press, that's hard to simulate."

A familiar script saw the Panthers adjust agaunst a team that plays a physical style.

"Liberal fouled us, but we hit 50% on free throws,' she said. "We showed we can't let teams shove us around. Our goal is to be aggressive without fouling." 

It's Dodge City or bust Tuesday with the Red Demons (1-14, 0-3) also winless in WAC action.

WAC GIRLS

Hays High 4-0 15-0

Liberal 4-1 11-5

Garden City 2-2 8-6

Dodge City 0-3 1-14

Great Bend 0-4 4-11

2-4—Hays 64, Sunrise 43; Garden City 54, Dodge City 29; Liberal 54, Hooker, Okla. 47

2-7—Liberal 67, Great Bend 40; Hays High 63, Dodge City 19; Garden City at Woodward, Okla.