The nine-game losing streak is finally over for the Dodge City Conquistadors men’s basketball team.

They chose a theatrical moment in which to end it, beating No. 8 Hutchinson, the defending national champions, by a score of 72-70 Saturday night.

Dodge City freshman center Jyrus Freels had the game’s lone double-double, with 10 points and a game-high 16 rebounds, while sophomore guard Tajae Anderson led the Conquistadors with a team-high 21 points. Freshman guard Justice Dixon had 13 points. Freshman forward Kevin Howard had eight points and 10 rebounds.

The Blue Dragons have been nearly unbeatable at home since the start of last season.

Saturday’s loss to the Conquistadors was the first time they had lost at home since nearly a year ago when they fell to Coffeyville 86-85 on Jan. 28, 2017. It what was their only loss in Hutchinson during the entire 2016-17 season.

Their last regular-season home loss before that: That also came against Dodge City, on Jan. 13, 2016, two years to-the-day before Saturday’s upset.

The Conqs’ win snapped a losing-streak dating back to November 2017. Their last win had come Nov. 21, 2017 against Neosho County.

The Conquistadors women’s team, didn’t share the fortune of the men’s team though, falling 74-47 against the Blue Dragons Saturday.

It was the fourth loss in a row for the women’s team.

Dodge City was led by freshman forward Makaela Ewing and freshman guard Allie Baker, who each tied for a team-high 10 points. Freshman forward Kaylee Dale led the team with six rebounds and freshman forward Ashley Nelson had a team-high two assists.

Both teams will be in action again on Wednesday night in Dodge City, where they will host Cloud County. The women’s teams play at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by the men’s teams.

To contact the writer, email sburch@dodgeglobe.com