Preview: Garden City at Dodge City Men’s Basketball

DODGE CITY, Kan. (Interstat) — A key men’s junior college basketball matchup in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference is set for Wednesday when the Garden City Broncbusters visit the Dodge City Conquistadors.

The Conquistadors (12-4) enter with the stronger overall record and will defend their home court against a Garden City squad (9-4) coming off a narrow victory. Dodge City edged Fort Hays Tech 76-74 on Saturday, led by Rickey Loftin II’s 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Loftin has been a consistent force, averaging 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists over his last three games.

Garden City is riding momentum from a dramatic 83-82 home win over Cowley last Saturday. Guard Dasean Lewis starred in that victory, scoring 25 points. He has been the Broncbusters’ offensive catalyst, averaging 18.7 points over his last three contests. Lucas Kalimba added 15 points and nine rebounds in the win.

The teams have followed similar paths recently, both securing tight wins this past Saturday after a loss on Dec. 10. Dodge City fell to Hutchinson 82-66 on that date, while Garden City dropped a 92-90 decision to Seward County.

This game features a contrast in recent form. The Conquistadors have won four of their last five games. The Broncbusters have split their last four, with the wins coming by a combined seven points, indicating a propensity for close finishes.

Following this contest, Dodge City begins a two-game road trip at Butler (Kan.) on Saturday. Garden City returns home to host Cloud County on Saturday.