McPHERSON, Kan. — The Hesston College men's basketball team split its two games at the Central Christian Classic on Oct. 30-31, earning a thrilling 80-79 victory over host Central Christian College on Friday before falling 89-57 to Sterling College on Saturday.
Hesston College 80, Central Christian College 79
The Larks opened the weekend with a dramatic finish against Central Christian, as Trent Thompson converted a layup at the buzzer to secure the one-point victory.
Hesston started strong with baskets from Thompson and Brennon Dodge to take an early 4-0 lead, but Central Christian responded with a 9-0 run. The Tigers maintained a narrow advantage for much of the first half, eventually extending their lead to 27-20 with just over six minutes remaining.
The Larks battled back behind Dodge, who connected from three-point range, and Ky Kougl, who completed a three-point play to bring Hesston within one at 29-28. With the score tied at 34 late in the half, Daniel Towels scored on consecutive possessions before Dodge added a basket at the buzzer to give Hesston a 38-34 halftime advantage.
Hesston carried that momentum into the second half, building a seven-point lead behind baskets from Thompson, Marcus Golden and Dodge. Central Christian continued to answer, eventually taking a 74-67 lead with 3:41 remaining.
The Larks refused to go away, using free throws from Thompson, Dodge and Jarren Cargil to cut the deficit to two. Cargil then connected on a three-pointer with 1:33 remaining to give Hesston a 76-75 advantage.
The teams traded the lead in the final minute. Thompson scored with 32 seconds remaining to put the Larks ahead 78-77, but Central Christian answered with a basket to reclaim a 79-78 lead.
With one final opportunity, Thompson delivered the decisive layup as time expired, giving Hesston the 80-79 victory.
Dodge led the Larks with 23 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Thompson finished with 20 points, three assists and three steals. Cargil added 16 points and five rebounds off the bench, and Towels contributed eight points, nine rebounds and two blocks.
Hesston shot 50% from the field and scored 50 points in the paint.
Sterling College 89, Hesston College 57
The Larks returned to action Saturday against Sterling College, opening the contest with a basket from Dodge before the Warriors answered with consecutive three-pointers.
Hesston stayed within striking distance early, with Towels scoring back-to-back baskets to cut Sterling's lead to 11-10. Cargil then connected on a three-pointer to put the Larks ahead 13-12.
After Sterling briefly regained the lead, Nate Brown scored on consecutive possessions to give Hesston a 17-14 advantage with 10:56 remaining in the first half. Dodge later tied the game at 21, but the Warriors began to pull away behind their outside shooting.
Sterling built a 29-23 advantage before extending its lead to 37-25 late in the half. Thompson answered with a basket, but the Warriors entered halftime ahead 43-29.
The Warriors continued their momentum after the break, scoring the first four points of the second half. Hesston worked to generate offense behind Dodge and Thompson, but Sterling maintained control with efficient shooting and a significant advantage on the boards.
Dodge led Hesston with 15 points and three assists, while Thompson added 10 points, six rebounds and three assists. Brown contributed nine points and five rebounds off the bench, and Devin Lewis finished with five points.
The Larks shot 37.3% from the field and struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just three of 22 attempts. Sterling shot 50% overall, including 12 three-pointers, and held a 47-27 rebounding advantage.
Julian Smith led Sterling with 20 points, while Isaiah Green recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Hesston finished the weekend 1-1, highlighted by Friday's last-second victory over the tournament hosts.
The Larks return to action Tuesday, Nov. 3, when they travel to Chickasha, Okla., to face the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) at noon.
