Hesston, KS -


The Larks fell in a close battle last night inside Yost Center versus Natiowide Academy as they fell 67-63.  

Nationwide began the game on an 8-0 run until the Larks added their first basket as Juwuan Clifton drained a three pointer to cut into the lead making it 8-3.  Clifton would go on to score the Larks first nine points of the game, as the Larks trailed 11-9.  With 13:07 left in the first half, the Larks would take the lead for the first time as they led 13-12 after a basket by Tre McCullough after an assist by Elijah Smith.  Langston Flowers would take over for the rest of the half as he finished with 13 points in the first half and the Larks took a 34-32 lead into the half.  

In the second half, Hesston found themselves trailing by as much as 15 points with 8:12 left remaining in the game.  The Larks began to cut into the Bengals lead as Langston Flowers drained back-to-back threes as the Larks trailed just 63-60.  Juwuan Clifton would make a layup with just 20 seconds left in the game as they trailed by 1, 64-63.  Nationwide would go on to add three more points as they defeated the Larks 67-63.

This loss ends the Larks three game winning streak and brings their overall record to 4-3 on the season.  They were led in scoring by Langston Flowers as he finished with 25 points coming off the bench.  Elijah Smith set a career high in assists as he finished with 8, and he also added 12 rebounds.  Juwuan Clifton recorded his second double-double of the season as he finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Larks will have a quick turnaround as they host Bethel College JV on Saturday at 3:00 PM inside Yost Center.