Knights fall in double overtime to Broncbusters

Garden City, Kan. – Alex Harper had a team high 32 points, but it was not enough to upset No.19 Garden City Community College in double overtime, 113-107.

"We had some younger players play key minutes for us today," said head coach Jacob Brandl. "Hats off to Garden City as they made some big plays down the stretch."

Harper's points came on 14-of-28 shooting from the field including 3-of-11 from long range. Justus Michael chipped in 26 points and nine rebounds in 44 minutes of action.

Garden City found their rhythm from the perimeter in the first overtime period. The Broncbusters jumped out to a 92-90 lead, but a 10-2 run reversed the momentum. Garden City rallied in the final minute to knot the game up and force a second overtime period.

The margin stayed within one possession throughout the opening four minutes. Garden City settled into a rhythm and outscored the Knights 7-3 in the final minute to earn the win.

North Platte closed out the game shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from beyond the arc. Garden City shot 45.7 percent from the field, while winning the rebounding battle, 44-38.

The opening nine minutes of the first half featured four lead changes, before a 10-0 run gave the Broncbusters a 28-22 lead. A Diao putback helped North Platte steal the momentum while igniting 16-0 run. Garden City used the final four minutes to launch a 17-6 run to take a 45-44 lead into the halftime break.

North Platte kept the margin close until back-to-back three pointers from Michael gave the Knights a 63-58 lead. Garden City countered with a 15-3 run over the next four minutes to build a seven-point lead with 8:28 to play in regulation.

Knights continued to challenge the Broncbusters until a late 9-0 run gave the black and gold a three-point advantage. Garden City found the equalizer in the closing seconds to force the first overtime period.

North Platte (2-3) will continue road action against Barton Community College on Tuesday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. in Great Bend, Kan.