Broncbusters stumble late, fall 101–92 on the road

Independence, KS — Garden City opened strong on Saturday afternoon but couldn't withstand a late push from Independence, dropping a 101–92 decision at ICC Fieldhouse. The loss moves the Broncbusters to 8–3 overall and 3–2 in KJCCC play. 

The Busters controlled long stretches of the first half with active hands and efficient shooting from outside. Dasean Lewis caught fire early — hitting four threes — while Zaire Lott provided a spark with attacking downhill finishes. Garden City took a 48–47 lead into halftime and appeared in rhythm offensively. 

The Pirates erupted out of the break, attacking the paint and getting to the free-throw line in bunches. Independence shot 75% from the field in the second half and leaned heavily on interior scoring to flip momentum, eventually building a two-possession lead with under three minutes to play. The Broncbusters continued to fight, but clutch play by the Pirates in the final minutes closed the door. 

Lewis led Garden City with 23 points and 5 rebounds, knocking down all four of his made threes in the opening half. Devonte Reed again delivered in big moments — finishing with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists — while Lott added 15 points and 5 boards off the bench. Garden City's depth showed once again with 46 bench points, but turnovers in critical stretches proved costly. 

Independence countered with efficient scoring across its lineup, led by Sterling Knox's 20 points, Trae Lewis' 17, and Trashaun Combs-Pierce's 18. The Pirates converted 36-of-44 from the free-throw line and owned the paint 44–30, key differences in the matchup. 

Next Up

The Broncbusters return home to Conestoga Arena on Wednesday, December 10, hosting Seward County Community College as they look to get back in the win column.