Broncbusters WBB Vanquishes 13-Point Deficit in Game One at Otero Classic
Photo Credits; Adam Shrimplin, Shrimplin Photography
LA JUNTA, CO. – Greg Franklin’s message after Thursday night’s win was simple; the Broncbusters needed to hit their free throws.
Friday night saw immediate improvement, 28 makes, to be in fact. Every single one mattered in a game that went back-and-forth down the stretch.
The Garden City Broncbusters turned the tide against the Otero Rattlers at the McDivitt Center on Friday night, coming from 13 points down to win, 63-57. Garden City never led until the final 11 minutes, but outscored Otero by 14 in the game.
It was a slow start for the Broncbusters, who didn’t hit a field goal until the 1:45 mark in the first. Otero’s Gia Bradley scored eight in the first to give the Rattlers a 16-9 lead after 10.
Bradley exploded to hit a couple of three pointers in the second, building the lead to double-digits. The sophomore would close the first half with a game-high 14 points, well above last season’s average of 11.5 points per contest.
In the games where Bradley exceeded 12 points, Otero (0-1) went 10-1 last season. The second half, Garden City shut her down, holding her to three points, and building back brick by brick. From down 42-29, the Broncbusters willed their way back.
GCCC (2-0) took their first lead with 58 seconds to go in the third, as backup guard Sariah Conley ripped a turnover and scored the ensuing layup.
The fourth quarter was a masterpiece for Garden City at the line. The Broncbusters finished the second half going 17-of-22 from the line to get their second win of the season.
Sierra Diressen led the Broncbusters with 17 points, going seven-of-eight from the line. Forwards Ana Ramos Pires and Antonicia Moultrie both came in clutch, scoring 16 and 14, respectively.
Garden City finishes their stay at the Otero Classic tomorrow against New Mexico Junior College. Coverage begins with the American Implement Pregame Show at roughly 11:40 A.M., with tip-off loosely scheduled for noon. Due to Garden City football’s home matchup with Snow College, coverage will be provided on KBUF 1030 AM, 107.1 FM
