Busters close out January with a Win

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden CIty Athletics

Garden City, KS - Garden City Community College women's basketball used a balanced attack and a strong second-half push to pull away from Fort Hays Tech Northwest, 70-44, Wednesday night at Conestoga Arena.

The Broncbusters weathered a choppy start that featured turnovers on both ends, then settled in behind timely shot-making and pressure defense. Garden City led 15-12 after one, stretched the margin to 34-29 at halftime, and then flipped the game with a 16-9 third quarter before closing with a 20-6 fourth to put it away.

Fouls and turnovers were a major storyline throughout the night, as the pace stayed high and possessions were at a premium. Garden City capitalized when it mattered most—turning defense into offense and converting at the free-throw line to create separation down the stretch. The Broncbusters finished with 27 points off turnovers and 12 second-chance points.

Offensively, Garden City got production up and down the lineup. Elektra Mjoll led the way with 18 points on four made threes, while Deija Roberson added 15 points and Luana Luz chipped in 11. Paula Fernandez provided a spark with 11 points and three triples, and Caryle Fortas stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points and a game-high seven assists to go with three steals.

The defensive intensity showed up late, as Fort Hays Tech Northwest was held to just 9 points in the third quarter and 6 in the fourth.

With the win, the Broncbusters improve to 14-6 overall and 9-6 in conference play. Garden City has a bye this weekend and will return to action Wednesday, February 4th at Butler Community College.