Garden City storms back from 18 down; beats Seward County in OT

By Mike Pilosof

Photo by Connor Pilosof

Liberal, KS-It was a long time coming for Dayshawna Carter.

The freshman guard, who had scored a total of 30 points over her previous 10 games, exploded for 37, coming within four points of the single-game record, Keyhana Turner added nine, and Garden City stormed back from 18 down in the fourth quarter to beat Seward County, 74-70 in overtime on Saturday night in the Greenhouse. Garden City won its third straight game and improved to 16-7 overall and 11-7 in conference.

The Broncbusters attempted 41 free throws, the second most in a game this season and outrebounded the Saints, 38-28. Their bench also outscored Seward County, 60-21, thanks in large part to Carter.

But early in the final period, things didn't look promising.

Following Sydney Wetlaufer's triple from the wing, Seward County had a 51-33 advantage with 9:27 to play. That's when Carter came to life.

The freshman sliced through traffic for an and-1 layup; then hit two free throws followed by a contested runner, Payton Hicks dropped in two freebies, and Carter added another three-point play to cut the Saints' lead to two with 1:11 remaining. The next time down, she split two defenders for a deuce; then gave Garden City the lead with a slick move to the rim, making it 60-58 with 18 seconds to go. It was all part of a 25-point fourth quarter for Carter, whose team outscored the Saints 29-14 over the final 10 minutes.

But in the waning seconds of regulation, Keyhana Turner was whistled for a foul. D'arrah Allen connected on two free throws to tie it, and Donetria McGee missed a half-court shot at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.

In the extra session, the Broncbusters finally put it away.

Carter dropped in a free throw, Turner swished four straight charity shots, and Desiree Smith finished inside for a 67-65 advantage. After Sierra Lynch tied it with a layup in the final minute, Donetria McGee calmly sank two free throws, Smith added another bucket in heavy traffic, and Turner put the game away with three freebies in the final 13 seconds.

The Broncbusters finished the night 20-of-56 (36 percent) from the field and 32-of-41 at the line (78 percent). They also won the game despite leading scorer Kealani Neves exiting in the first quarter with a concussion.

Carter finished 12-of-24 from the floor and 12-of-15 at the line in 34 minutes.

Lynch scored 25 in a losing effort for Seward. Miyah Dubose chipped in 11.

Next up: Garden City at NW Tech-Wednesday, Feb. 9-6 p.m. CDT