Broncbusters drop a nail-biter at home, fall 92–90 after two crucial late possessions

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

Garden City, KS — Garden City came out with energy Wednesday night at Conestoga Arena, building a strong first-half lead behind disruptive defense and early shot-making, but Seward County rallied late and edged the Broncbusters 92–90 in a game that came down to the final two possessions.

The Broncbusters opened the night forcing turnover after turnover, turning steals from Jordon Nevill and Devonte Reed into transition points. Lucas Kalimba and Zaire Lott helped push the pace, while Mangok Gach and Nico Doumecontrolled the paint. Garden City’s defensive pressure ballooned the lead to as many as 17, and the Busters carried a 50–33 advantage into halftime after a stretch of big plays highlighted by a Gach dunk, a Lott corner three, and another steal-and-score in transition.

Seward County flipped the momentum in the second half, attacking downhill and getting to the line repeatedly. The Saints shot 31-of-37 from the stripe, using consistent and-one opportunities and free throws to chip away. Lucas N’Gombo and Antonio Williams powered the comeback, eventually pulling Seward ahead 66–65 with just over eight minutes to play. From there, both teams traded scores in a back-and-forth battle.

Garden City continued to create chances—Nevill knocked down free throws, Gach scored inside, and Reed came up with key defensive stops—but two late possessions ultimately decided the game. After Nevill’s layup cut the deficit to 91–90 with eight seconds remaining, Seward split a pair at the line, giving the Broncbusters one final shot. Garden City pushed the ball up the floor and got a clean look at a deep three, but the attempt bounced off the rim as time expired.

Nevill led Garden City with 19 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals, impacting the game on both ends. Lewis added 13 points, while Gach and Reed each scored 12. Doume and Kalimba reached double figures with 10 apiece, and Garden City’s defense produced 39 points off turnovers, a major factor in building the early advantage.

In the end, Seward’s second-half efficiency and free-throw shooting proved to be the difference.

Final: Seward County 92, Garden City 90

Garden City moves to 8–4 overall, 3–3 in KJCCC play.

Next Up: The Broncbusters head to Great Bend on Saturday, December 13, hosting Barton Community College at 4 p.m.