Basketball Recap: Topeka Comes Up Short

Topeka lost against Washburn Rural on February 7th, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Tuesday. The Topeka Trojans were dealt a 72-42 loss at the hands of the Washburn Rural Blues. While losing is never fun, the Trojans can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Kansas basketball rankings (they are ranked 241st, while the Blues are ranked 17th).

Leading Washburn Rural to victory were Kaden Ballard and Brooks Ballard. Kaden to rack up 13 points and three steals, while Brooks on his way to 13 points and five boards. Those 13 points gave Brooks a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Simon Rowley, who posted nine points and five rebounds.

Topeka dropped their record down to 1-18-1 with the defeat, which was their fourth straight at home. That patch can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 54.8 points over those games. As for Washburn Rural, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won seven of their last eight contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-4 record this season.

Topeka does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Washburn Rural, they will venture away from home to take on Manhattan at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Manhattan has a tough task ahead: they'll enter the matchup with four straight losses, while Washburn Rural will come in with six straight wins.