STERLING, Kan. – Maize South started their game against Wichita Independent at the Sterling Invitational strong, but the Mavericks were unable to hold on against Independent in their 51-56 loss to the Panthers.

Offense came slow in the first half as it took a little bit for both teams to warm up and gain a rhythm for shots on both sides of the court.

The Panthers offense was lacking in the first and second quarter.

Maize South kept pushing points on the board to stay in the lead for a good part of the game.

The half time score, 23-15 in the Mavericks favor, did not reflect that Wichita Independent was playing a little above average defensively, collecting 5 steals within the first half.

The Maize South Mavericks did not have as many steals as the Panthers but had fewer turnovers helping their offense also and keeping the other team from scoring from their mistakes.

The Panthers then decided to show their talent exploding in the remaining minutes of the fourth quarter. Wichita Independent won the game in the fourth quarter with a score of 56-51.

Wichita Independent advances to the semi-final on Thursday at 7:30 pm.

Maize South will play on Thursday at 4:30 pm in hopes of making it to the fifth place game on Friday.