Pratt, Kan. - The Pratt Community College (PCC) Beavers rang in the new year with their first game of 2022 against the Garden City Community College (GCCC) Broncbusters. The Beavers came into the game riding high on finishing 2021 with a three game winning streak. On the other side, the Broncbusters had wrapped up the previous year with losing three out of their last four games. The stage was set on a frigid night in Pratt for the Beavers to continue their home court dominance and start 2022 with a new year. 

From the tip the Broncbusters ran their half court press against Pratt which lead to early turnovers and a lead for Garden City. As the first half continued, the Beavers made adjuments to address the Broncbuster press and started to cut the lead. Sophomore guard Nasan Ayala game the Beavers a one point lead at half with a buzzer beating three point basket. In the second half, the Broncbusters did not let up on their half court press, but the Beavers were able to score points in transition.

At the 4:03 mark of the second half the Beavers tied the game off a three point basket by sophomore guard Eric Rhymes. A minute later the Broncbusters took a 2 point lead 76-74 and held on to the lead for the remainder of the game. The Beavers pulled within one point twice off a made free throw by sophomore guard Tommy Thomas and a layup by Ayala. At the 1:03 minute mark Ayala missed a layup that would have given the Beavers a one point lead. Garden City pulled ahead by three points with 18 seconds left. As time was expiring Rhymes took a three point shot and was fouled on the play. With a chance to tie the game Rhymes made his first free throw, but missed his second. After a Beaver timeout, Rhymes purposely missed his third free throw with sophomore forward Harrison Eghan getting the rebound, but missed the put back. Garden City held on to win 80-78. 

Freshman forward Cam Morris lead the way for the Beavers with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Morris continued his dominance from the free throw line going 10 of 12 from the line. Ayala finished the game with 21 points. Eghan added 12 rebounds with Thomas adding 10 points. The Beavers did out rebound the Broncbusters 45 to 42, but turned the ball over 28 times. Garden City scored 26 points off of those turnovers and had 40 points in the paint. The leading scorer for the Broncbusters was freshman guard Tone Hunter who had 28 points. The Beavers did hold the top rebounder in the nation sophomore forward Mohamed Diarra to just 7 rebounds and 19 points. 

The Beavers look to bounce back this weekend when they travel to Coffeyville to take on the Red Ravens. The defending national champions are coming off a triple overtime win against Cloud County on the road. Game is schedueld to tip at 4:00 pm.