Dodge City snaps Garden City's nine-game winning streak

By Mike Pilosof

Photo by Adam Shrimplin

Garden City, KS-There was a moment, albeit brief following Thursday night's titanic regular-season matchup with No. 8 Dodge City that Garden City, Head Coach Bill Morosco was able to reflect.

"They (Dodge City) were great tonight, but we were right there," he said as he walked towards the Conestoga Arena exits. "We just have to figure out a way to win those types of games."

It was yet another lesson learned for a team that is on the brink of doing something special.

Themus Fulks poured in 24 points, Kalen Williams chipped in 18, and the Conquistadors outlasted No. 18 Garden City, 103-96 in a game that certainly lived up to the billing at Conestoga Arena.

"We have to hit free throws and finish games," Morosco said. "You can't miss nine free throws against a team like that."

The loss snapped the Broncbusters nine-game winning streak and dropped them to 17-6 overall and 11-6 in conference play.

"These are the types of games that bring out the best in everyone," Morosco added. "Both teams fed off the atmosphere. I just wish the result was different."

Playing in front of an electric crowd, Dodge City started hot and never cooled off, shooting 63 percent from the field while scoring 56 points in the paint. They were an eye-popping 21-of-29 (72 percent) from the floor over the first 20 minutes, building their lead to as many as 12 after Williams sank a 3-pointer to make it 54-42 with 1:02 remaining. They lead by nine at the intermission.  

"They didn't miss much; that's for sure," Morosco explained. "They made a lot of contested shots."

Garden City turned up the pressure to begin the second half, and it paid major dividends. Mo Diarra's steal led to a quick Heru Bligen finger roll, Tone Hunter, who was named the NJCAA Player of the Week on Wednesday, swooped inside for a layup, Diarra swished two free throws, and Bligen finished off a dazzling three-point play that brought the Broncbusters to within two, 57-55 with 16:21 to play. Moments later, the sophomore made a layup in traffic, Diarra nailed a step back 3-pointer from the left wing; then connected from 17 feet, and the Broncbusters had their largest lead of the game, 62-59 with 15:05 on the clock.

"I really like the energy we had to begin the second half," Morosco stated.

But Garden City could never pull away. Fulks responded with an and-1 layup, Jordan Love knocked down two free throws, and Williams finished over Diarra for a three-point play that put Dodge City up for good.

"We had chances to push the lead when we had it, but we just couldn't get timely stops," Morosco said. "That was frustrating."

Felks three-point play and Nick Pringle's two-handed slam gave the Conquistadors a 90-78 advantage with 5:10 to go. Garden City never got closer than six the rest of the way.

Diarra led the Broncbusters with 24 points and 15 rebounds, and Bligen scored 22 on 10-of-17 shooting. Josh Nwankwo had 11 in 18 minutes off the bench.

Oumar Koureissi tallied 16 points for Dodge City. Keandre Bowles had 15, and Pringle finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds.

Next up: Garden City at Seward-Saturday, Feb. 5-8 p.m.