LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Hesston College men's basketball team picked up their first two wins over fellow NAIA programs in program history over the weekend at the CAC Classic hosted by Haskell Indian Nations University.
Hesston College 96, Florida National 81
After heading into halftime tied 38-38, the Larks pulled away in the second half Saturday night, earning a 96–81 win over Florida National.
The first half featured steady back-and-forth play as both teams found offensive rhythm early. Trent Thompson set the tone inside for Hesston, while Brennon Dodge attacked the basket to keep the Larks on pace. Antonio Odum provided scoring support in the lane, and Hesston mixed in transition baskets to answer Florida National's perimeter shooting.
Hesston came out of halftime with renewed energy, opening the second half with a run sparked by defensive stops and efficient scoring. Thompson continued to finish strong around the rim, while Dodge and Odum converted key baskets as the Larks began to stretch the lead. Florida National attempted to keep pace behind Hasmar Francois, but Hesston's depth and consistency started to show midway through the half. The Larks attacked the basket, earned trips to the free-throw line and maintained control down the stretch to secure the 15-point victory.
Thompson led all scorers with 27 points for Hesston, while Brycten Harris scored 21 and Dodge added 17 points. Odum finished with 13 points, and the Larks received contributions across the lineup from Tatum Steinhoff (7 points), Dante Smith (5) and Rob Gambill (3). Francios led the Conquistadors with 16 points.
Hesston College 92, Haskell 84
The Larks avenged their loss to Haskell earlier in the week with a 92-84 win to close out the CAC Classic.
The opening half featured steady back-and-forth play, with both teams trading baskets and momentum swings. Thompson set the tone early for the Larks with strong finishes in the paint, while Dodge attacked the rim to keep Hesston in rhythm offensively. Odum added scoring support inside, and Devin Lewis knocked down timely shots as the Larks worked to answer Haskell's perimeter scoring. Hesston closed the half with a late push, taking a 41–29 lead into the break.
Haskell responded after halftime, opening the second half with increased energy and cutting into the deficit behind efficient shooting. The hosts used a scoring run to make it a one-possession game midway through the half, but Hesston answered at the right moments. Thompson continued to finish through contact, while Dodge and Odum delivered key baskets to halt Haskell's momentum. The Larks stayed composed down the stretch, converting at the free-throw line and getting timely stops to secure the eight-point road win.
Thompson led all scorers with 30 points, anchoring Hesston's offense throughout the night. Along with leading his team to a win, Thompson set a new school record with 20 made free throws. Dodge finished with 15 points, while Odum added 14. Lewis chipped in 9 points, and Smith contributed on both ends. Haskell was paced by Jesse White (20 points) and Nehemiah Boykins (17), with Preston Olney adding 16, but the Larks' balance and execution proved decisive.
The Larks will hit the road on Wednesday to take on Missouri Baptist at 7:30 p.m.
