HESSTON, Kan. — The Hesston College men's basketball team earned its first victory of the 2026-27 season Saturday, Oct. 24, defeating Randall University 87-74 at Yost Center. Trent Thompson led the Larks with a 31-point, 14-rebound double-double, while Brennon Dodge added 19 points and seven rebounds.
The opening half featured a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the first 20 minutes. Randall briefly held a three-point advantage midway through the period, but Hesston responded with timely baskets from Thompson, Dodge and Ky Kougl to regain control.
The Larks built a six-point lead late in the half before Randall closed the gap. Hesston entered halftime with a narrow 38-35 advantage.
Randall continued to challenge the Larks early in the second half, tying the game at 44 with just over 14 minutes remaining. Thompson answered with a three-pointer to put Hesston back in front, sparking a stretch that saw the Larks begin to pull away.
Hesston extended its lead to nine points midway through the half, but Randall responded with a run to cut the deficit to 63-61 with just under eight minutes remaining.
The Larks answered with a decisive stretch, beginning with two free throws from Jarren Cargil and a basket from Thompson. After Randall pulled within three points again, Dante Smith connected on a three-pointer to extend Hesston's lead to 70-64 with just under six minutes remaining.
Hesston continued to build its advantage down the stretch, using strong offensive rebounding and efficient scoring to pull away. Thompson scored 12 points in the final four minutes, helping the Larks extend their lead to as many as 18 points before securing the 87-74 victory.
Thompson finished with 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including 24 points in the second half. He added 14 rebounds, four assists and three steals in a dominant all-around performance.
Dodge contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists. Cargil provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists, connecting on two three-pointers.
Kougl added seven points and five rebounds, while Smith, Brady Clark and Myles Fernandez each finished with five points.
As a team, Hesston shot 46.3% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range. The Larks were particularly effective in the second half, shooting 53.3% and outscoring Randall 49-39.
Hesston dominated the glass, outrebounding Randall 51-30, including 17 offensive rebounds that helped generate 24 second-chance points. The Larks also received 27 points from their bench.
Carson Thomas led Randall with 30 points, while Levi Steele added 16. Cornelius Tembo recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
The victory improves Hesston's record to 1-1 on the season.
The Larks will return to action Tuesday, Oct. 27, traveling to Ottawa, Kan., to face Ottawa University at 7 p.m.
