Broncbusters survive late surge, edge Fort Hays Tech Northwest 98–95 on the road

Goodland, KS — Garden City passed one of its toughest tests of the season Tuesday night, going on the road and outlasting Fort Hays Tech Northwest 98–95 in a back-and-forth thriller. The Broncbusters led most of the way but had to withstand a furious late comeback to move to 8–1 overall and 3–0 in KJCCC play.

The Broncbusters set the tone early behind an attacking offense and active defense. Jordon Nevill opened the scoring with a layup, and Devonte Reed quickly followed with a three as Garden City jumped in front 10–4. Tammar Brown's rim protection and energy on the glass helped fuel transition chances, and Dasean Lewis knocked down a pair of threes to answer Fort Hays Tech NW spurts. A deep rotation kept the pace high—Lucas Kalimba and Mangok Gach added punch off the bench—allowing Garden City to take control of the first half and carry a 58–51 lead into the locker room after a late flurry capped by a Reed three and a Gach dunk.

Fort Hays Tech NW came out of halftime with a push, trimming the margin to a single point at 60–59, but every run from the home side was met with a response. Kalimba buried a corner three, Reed snaked through traffic for finishes at the rim, and Xavier Johnson continued to punish the Tigers inside. When the game tightened again in the final minutes, Garden City leaned on its composure—securing key defensive rebounds, converting in the paint, and knocking down free throws. Reed's late and-one drive and pair of clutch free throws in the closing seconds helped the Broncbusters hold on as Fort Hays hit multiple desperation threes to keep the crowd in it.

Reed was the catalyst all night, pouring in 29 points on efficient shooting while adding 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals. Johnson dominated the interior with a big 20-point, 13-rebound double-double and four assists, constantly extending possessions and finishing through contact. Lewis delivered 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals, repeatedly attacking driving lanes and jump-starting the break. Kalimba added 12 points and 6 rebounds off the bench, and Gach chipped in 6 points with a pair of momentum-changing dunks and strong defensive plays.

Fort Hays Tech Northwest was led by a monster outing from Marquintez Dixon, who finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds, while Kaleel Kelly and Bonfas Loria hit timely shots to keep the Tigers within striking distance. But Garden City's depth, defensive pressure, and ability to capitalize on turnovers—turning miscues into points in transition—ultimately made the difference in a game that never allowed much breathing room.

With the road win, the Broncbusters extend their winning streak to four and remain unbeaten in KJCCC play.

Next up: Garden City returns to Conestoga Arena on Wednesday, December 3rd, hosting Butler Community College.