December 23, 2024

No. 16 Broncbusters Suffer Overtime Setback in Loss to Lamar

GCCC vs McCook Community College

Garden City Community College mens basketball team hosted McCook Community College on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Conestoga Arena in Garden City, Kan. The Busters defeated the Indians 79 - 73. Photo Credits; Adam Shrimplin, Shrimplin Photography

LAMAR, CO. – Road games had been a huge positive under Rusty Elmore’s first season. Garden City cut their turnovers by nearly four in games away from Conestoga Arena, and won 9-of-13 away from Garden City.

Their first road game of 2023 proved too much of a test.

The No. 16 Garden City Broncbusters dropped their first game of the season on Monday night, losing 80-72 to the Lamar Runnin’ Lopes, after overtime.

Garden City led by as much as 16 in the opening half, with Braxton Jones and Jace Steinmetz combining for four triples in the opening 20.

Jones was masterful with four field goals in the first half, and wound up leading the Broncbusters (1-1) with 24 points in just 22 minutes.

Lamar (2-2) hit a huge shot at the end of the half, with Freshman Sean Lindsay nailing a buzzer beater from the logo. The Runnin’ Lopes ended the first half on a 7-0 run, cutting the lead to 36-27.

E.J. Brown came out hot in the second half for Lamar, delivering a game-high 19 to put LCC ahead by four. Brody Robinson would respond for the Broncbusters, scoring five points in quick succession to restore the GCCC advantage.

Garden City ended the game cold, shut out for the final 2:03. Freshman Keziah Forest-Lo tied the game inside the final minute with a layup to force overtime.

The Runnin’ Lopes began the OT period on a 9-3 run, leaving the Broncbusters in the dust.

The Broncbusters return home tomorrow night for their third game of the season against the Otero College Rattlers. Coverage from Conestoga Arena is begins at 7:10 P.M. on the American Implement Pregame Show. Tip-off between the Rattlers and Broncbusters is slated for 7:30 P.M.