MCPHERSON ? Corey Ladson scored 22 points to lead five Haskell Indians Nations University men’s basketball players in double figures, and the Fightin’ Indians rallied for a 99-98 victory Friday over Central Christian.

HINU (4-22 overall) trailed, 50-39, at halftime, in part because seven players –including two starters — were benched for the first half for violation of unspecified team rules.

“It was a big win, not only because we got back in it, but because we might have a chance to make the league playoffs,” HINU coach Jamie Morrison said.

Shawn Demarris had 19 points, Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens added 18, Aaron Hogner had 14 and Topah Spoonhunter 12.

Haskell will travel today to Newman.

McPherson 82, Haskell 78

McPherson — Haskell’s women’s basketball lost a heartbreaking overtime game to Central College in part because of a controversial foul toward the end of regulation.

Haskell’s lead — which was as big as 10 in the second half — was whittled to three with a few seconds left.

Central converted a three-point play with a field goal and foul shot as the clock expired, sending the game into overtime.

“It was a really tough one to lose,” Haskell coach Phil Homeratha said. “But that’s life on the road.”

Despite the defeat, Homeratha said he was pleased with how his team played, especially its shooting from the field. HINU shot a season-high 56 percent.

He wasn’t as thrilled with the shooting from the free-throw line.

Haskell only made 18 of 31 free-throw attempts.

Maria Stevens led Haskell with 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting from the field. Samantha Pete added 15 points, and Lucita Yesslith contributed 13 for HINU.