Garden City blasts Colby for seventh win in last 10 games

Garden City, KS-Jaborri McGhee had 26 points and eight rebounds, Buru Naivalurua recorded his 12^th double-double of the season with 21 points and 12 boards, and Garden City rolled to a 92-72 victory over Colby Wednesday night at Conestoga Arena. The Broncbusters improved to 15-6 overall and 10-6 in conference play, handing Colby its 16^th consecutive loss.  

David Elliott added 17 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in 34 minutes for Garden City, which improved to 7-3 in their last 10 games. As a team, the Broncbusters shot 54 percent from the field including 11-of-24 from downtown and outrebounded Colby, 39-25. They had 19 assists on 37 made baskets and scored 40 points in the paint.  

"We made shots in the first half," Head Coach, Rusty Elmore said. "But in the second half, we were way too casual. I was not very pleased with the way we played in the second half."

Truth be told, in the first 20 minutes, Garden City couldn't miss, hitting 20-of-31 shots (65 percent) and 7-of-13 from deep as they raced out to a 25-14 advantage after Naivalurua canned an open corner 3. Moments later, the freshman, who has scored in double figures in six straight games, deposited a pair of Larry Olayinka lobs, igniting a 23-8 run that had Garden City up 50-27 at the half.  

"Good teams don't take their foot off the gas," Elmore said. "I thought we did that in the second half. They got hot, and the next thing you know, they're right back in the game." 

Once Colby started finding a rhythm in the final period, Elmore countered by changing his strategy, reverting to a high ball screen isolation offense with McGhee, who scored 15 of his game-high 26 in the second half. He was 6-of-11 from the floor over the final 20 minutes, and his layup with 11:28 remaining gave the Broncbusters their largest lead of the night, 71-47.  

"In the end, a win is a win, and I am pleased with it," Elmore added. "We can enjoy this one for a minute, and then we need to start getting ready for the big one on Saturday."

Every Garden City starter made a 3, including Naivalurua, who connected on a season-high three long balls. Harker finished with 11 points and was 2-of-5 from deep, and DaJion Humphrey splashed home three triples.  

Joshua OGarro scored 18 points for Colby, which dropped to a league-worst 4-19 overall and 1-16 in the Jayhawk.