Busters Split Season Series with Cloud After Late Push Falls Short

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

Concordia, KS – Garden City Community College closed out its midweek trip to Cloud County by splitting the series, but the Broncbusters couldn't finish the road sweep on Wednesday night, falling 65-55 to the T-Birds.

Cloud set the tone early with a quick start and extra possessions, building momentum behind transition looks and timely perimeter shots. Garden City answered with some strong early effort on the glass—especially from Deija Roberson—but Cloud used a late push in the opening quarter to grab a 20-14 lead after one.

The second quarter was a grind. The Broncbusters generated good looks and had moments where they strung stops together, but Cloud stayed in control and kept the cushion with a couple big threes and finishes around the rim. By halftime, the T-Birds carried a 32-23 advantage into the break, forcing Garden City to chase for the final 20 minutes.

Out of the locker room, the Broncbusters brought their best stretch of basketball. Garden City's defensive intensity picked up, the ball started moving cleaner on offense, and the Busters steadily trimmed the deficit. A big third quarter—highlighted by Sokhna Ndiaye knocking down a key three and Garden City stacking stops—helped the Busters win the frame 17-13 and pull within 5, 45-40 heading into the fourth.

That set the stage for a dramatic finish.

Garden City opened the final period down just five, with a real chance to flip the game. But Cloud responded with the biggest swing of the night. The T-Birds went on a run that stretched the lead out to 54-40, forcing the Broncbusters into catch-up mode again.

Still, Garden City never folded. The Busters kept attacking, kept battling on the boards, and continued to pressure defensively—turning steals into chances the other way. They pieced together a late push to climb back into striking distance, highlighted by a tough and-one from Marshea Fisher, plus strong finishes from London Turner and timely buckets by Roberson as Garden City made one more run.

But Cloud's answer came at the line. The T-Birds hit late free throws to steady themselves and close it out, holding on for the 65-55 win.

Up Next
Garden City heads back on the road this weekend, traveling to Colby on Saturday, February 28th. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM.