Broncbusters suffer first loss of the season, fall 91–77 on the road

North Platte, NE — Garden City's unbeaten run came to an end Wednesday night as the Broncbusters dropped their first game of the 2025–26 campaign, falling 91–77 to North Platte Community College inside McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

North Platte came out firing, riding a red-hot first half to a 50–36 lead. The Knights hit 7 three-pointers before the break and controlled the glass, setting the tone early. Garden City played the second half even at 41–41, but the early deficit was too steep to overcome.

Xavier Johnson led the Broncbusters with an all-around performance, posting 11 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals in 17 minutes. Zaire Lott provided a spark off the bench with 21 points and three triples, while Dasean Lewis added 9 points and 4 rebounds.

Devonte Reed finished with 11 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals, but the Broncbusters struggled to find rhythm offensively. Garden City shot just 32.2% from the field and 11-of-46 from three, unable to match the efficiency they'd shown during their 5–0 start.

Jordon Nevill chipped in 10 points, and Jamir Westry contributed 8 points and 4 assists as Garden City tried to claw back in the second half. Defensively, the Broncbusters forced 12 steals, but North Platte's shooting and rebounding proved too much to overcome.

North Platte was powered by Brady Kennison's 31 points, including seven three-pointers, while Justus Michael tallied 23 points and 13 rebounds. The Knights shot 41.4% from deep and outrebounded Garden City 51–31, dominating second-chance opportunities and keeping the Broncbusters at arm's length.

With the loss, Garden City moves to 5–1 on the season.

Next up: Garden City travels to Hutchinson, Kansas, to face Hutchinson Community College on Tuesday, November 19 at 7:30 PM — marking head coach Tommy DeSalme's first return to the Blue Dragons' home floor since coaching there during the 2023–24 season.