Second-Half Struggles Cost Garden City on the Road

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

Colby, KS - Garden City's road trip to Colby ended in frustration Saturday night, as the Broncbusters fell 80-60 after a difficult second half offensively. A one-point game at halftime slipped away over the final 20 minutes, where Garden City managed just 23 points and struggled to regain momentum once Colby created separation.

The Busters opened the game with solid defensive energy and quick ball movement. Nico Doume scored early inside, and Jordon Nevill knocked down a pair of first-half threes to help Garden City settle in. Zaire Lott added perimeter shooting of his own as the Busters built small leads midway through the half. Despite a handful of turnovers late in the period, Garden City stayed within striking distance and trailed just 38-37 at the break.

After halftime, the tone shifted. Colby attacked the paint consistently and controlled the rebounding battle, turning extra possessions into second-chance points. The Trojans also capitalized at the free-throw line, while Garden City had almost no opportunities at the stripe. The Busters attempted just two free throws the entire game, converting only one, compared to Colby's steady trips to the line. Only 11 total fouls were called on Colby for the game, limiting Garden City's chances to generate easy points and slowing any potential rhythm offensively.

Cold shooting ultimately told the story. Garden City shot just 28.1% in the second half and went cold from three-point range when it needed a spark. The Busters finished 13-of-43 from deep overall, but many of those makes came in the first half. When the offense stalled after the break, Colby answered with timely buckets and extended the margin to double digits.

Nevill and Lott led the way offensively with 15 points each, with Nevill connecting on five three-pointers. Xavier Johnson added 11 points, and Doume chipped in inside, but the Busters were unable to find consistent scoring beyond that group as the second half wore on.

Colby's Aliou Diallo paced the Trojans with 24 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 performance at the free throw line, while D.J. Cason added 22 and five made threes. The combination of interior scoring, rebounding, and free-throw efficiency allowed the Trojans to gradually pull away and close out the 80-60 win.

Garden City now moves to 17-12 overall and 12-11 in KJCCC play.

Next Up: The Broncbusters return home for their final regular-season game on Monday, March 2, hosting Coffeyville Community College at 7:30 p.m. in Conestoga Arena.