Ndiaye Drops 36, Broncbusters Fall in 2OT Thriller vs. Barton

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden CIty Athletics

Garden City, KS - Garden City Community College poured everything into it Saturday afternoon at Conestoga Arena, but the Broncbusters' comeback effort came up just short in a wild, two-overtime battle, falling 80-76 to Barton.

The Busters came out sharp and aggressive on both ends. Deija Roberson opened the scoring with an early finish, and Sokhna Ndiaye wasted no time stretching the defense—knocking down a three to help Garden City jump in front. Ndiaye continued to set the tone with another triple late in the quarter, and Garden City carried momentum into the first break with a 16-9 lead, forcing Barton to play from behind early.

Barton settled in during the second quarter and began chipping away with second-chance opportunities and timely baskets in the half court. Garden City kept answering—London Turner attacked the rim for finishes, Roberson continued to create offense, and the Broncbusters stayed composed even as the lead tightened. By halftime, the game had swung into a deadlock at 28-28, setting up a grind-it-out second half.

The third quarter turned into a defensive tug-of-war. Both teams traded stops, and neither side found a long rhythm. Barton briefly nudged ahead behind a couple of baskets and free throws, but Garden City kept it within one or two possessions with effort plays—getting out in transition off steals, battling for rebounds, and scoring through contact. Fisher sparked the offense with a strong take, and Paula Fernandez knocked down a big three to keep the Busters within striking distance as the game moved into the fourth.

In the final period, the intensity ramped up even more. Barton struck first to build a small cushion, but Garden City refused to let it grow. Roberson converted at the line and finished inside to keep pressure on, while Ndiaye continued to deliver shot after shot—tough finishes, pull-ups, and a clutch three that kept the Broncbusters tied in the closing minutes. With the clock winding down and the game turning into a possession-by-possession battle, neither team could create separation, and the Busters fought their way into overtime.

The first overtime looked like more of the same—hard-nosed defense, contested shots, and every point feeling like it took a full possession to earn. Garden City matched Barton's late answers, continued to attack the paint, and got key contributions from multiple spots as the Busters extended the game again, forcing a second overtime with the score still knotted.

In the second extra period, Barton found just enough at the free throw line and on a late finish to grab the edge. Garden City stayed right there to the end, trading punches and giving themselves chances, but the Cougars closed it out in the final moments to escape with the 80-76 win.

Individually, Sokhna Ndiaye carried the scoring load with a game-high 36 points, repeatedly coming up with momentum buckets whenever the Busters needed one. Marshea Fisher was steady all night with 15 points and five assists, while London Turner added 10 points and made several key plays on both ends. Deija Roberson finished with eight points and five assists, helping Garden City generate offense through pressure, drives, and ball movement.

Next up: Garden City hits the road Wednesday, Feb. 18, traveling to Cowley Community College for a 5:30 p.m. tip in Arkansas City.