Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 — McCook, Neb.

Garden City Community College rode a blistering first quarter, timely second-half shot-making, and a poised defensive finish to knock off McCook Community College 63–57 on the road Tuesday night. The Broncbusters opened the game on a 21–11 burst, responded to multiple McCook scoring runs, and sealed the final minute with stops and free throws to remain unbeaten at 3–0.

How Garden City Won

Garden City dictated the tone immediately, turning defense into offense with an up-tempo blend of transition opportunities and strong drives at the rim. The Busters’ 21-point opening frame — their most efficient quarter of the night — forced McCook to chase from behind early and ultimately provided the cushion that held up across all four quarters.

After McCook trimmed the gap to two at halftime, Garden City steadied the pace in the third, winning the quarter 15–10 behind a balanced scoring stretch. In the fourth, the Busters protected the ball, limited second-chance looks, and found just enough late-game execution to outscore McCook 15–18 in the final frame and close out a two-possession win.

Garden City Takeaways

Garden City showcased a poised, road-ready identity in its first away contest of the season. The Broncbusters blended tempo control with a cohesive, team-oriented approach on offense, generating scoring by committee rather than relying on a single option. Their ability to surge ahead early, absorb counterpunches, and then reassert control in the third quarter demonstrated an early-season maturity. Defensively, Garden City’s rotations sharpened as the game progressed, and their ability to limit McCook’s perimeter shooting and capitalize on turnovers ultimately decided the night. The combination of conditioning, composure, and defensive buy-in continues to be the backbone of this team’s strong start.

McCook Takeaways

Despite playing from behind most of the night, McCook showed resilience and flashes of high-efficiency basketball. The Indians found consistent scoring inside, led by Miriam Wahlqvist’s 13 points and 7 rebounds, and received balanced production from Johanna Gerlach (11), Mar Molina Munoz (9), and Laia Izquierdo Altimira (9). However, McCook’s inability to protect the ball — turning it over 25 times — repeatedly stalled momentum during potential comeback stretches. While the Indians produced strong second and fourth quarters with 18 points in each, the early 10-point deficit and a cold 10-point third quarter proved costly. McCook showed grit, but Garden City’s defensive pressure and pace exposed the margins.

Matchup Breakdown

Pace and Possession Control. Garden City dictated the rhythm of the game from the opening tip, establishing a faster tempo that disrupted McCook’s preference for half-court execution. The Broncbusters turned defensive pressure into transition opportunities throughout the first and third quarters, giving them the edge in momentum-changing moments.

Turnovers and Execution. McCook’s 25 turnovers served as the defining statistical gap, as Garden City repeatedly converted mistakes into points or extended possessions. Even during McCook’s strongest stretches, giveaways prevented them from ever fully closing the gap or taking control of the scoreboard.

Runs and Response. Both teams had scoring bursts, but Garden City’s timely counterpunches — particularly the 15–10 third quarter — were the difference. Every time McCook approached striking distance, the Broncbusters created separation through defensive stands or transition scoring that shifted momentum back in their favor.

Final Game Numbers

Final: Garden City CC 63, McCook CC 57

Score by Quarters:

• GCCC: 21 | 12 | 15 | 15 — 63
• McCook: 11 | 18 | 10 | 18 — 57

McCook Leaders: Miriam Wahlqvist (13 pts, 7 reb); Johanna Gerlach (11 pts); Mar Molina Munoz (9 pts); Laia Izquierdo Altimira (9 pts, 5 ast)

Program Snapshot

Garden City continues to form a clear identity built on tempo, defensive discipline, and shared scoring responsibility through the first two games of the season. With early chemistry taking shape and execution improving each night, the Broncbusters look poised to build momentum as November progresses.

Up Next

Garden City continues its early-season road schedule at Seward County against Northeastern Junior College at 5PM on Nov. 8, 2025.