Oklahoma City Drops Broncos, 91-81
(McPherson, KS) – Facing Oklahoma City on a neutral floor, the Stars led 14-2 early and while Hastings tied the game at halftime, the Stars proved to be too much, defeating the Broncos, 91-81.
(McPherson, KS) – Facing Oklahoma City on a neutral floor, the Stars led 14-2 early and while Hastings tied the game at halftime, the Stars proved to be too much, defeating the Broncos, 91-81.
Oklahoma City made two threes in their 14-2 start that happened in four minutes. The lead held steady for the Stars, going up as much as 16 at the 6:06 mark in the first half at 38-22. Hastings took advantage of an Oklahoma City technical with a five-point possession to get on a run. Sophomore Maverick Binder, who had 18 points in the first half, made both free throws and drilled a three to make it 38-27.
After Hastings forced a turnover and a three-point miss, Binder got fouled both times at the offensive end and sank all four from the line to get the lead down to seven, 38-31. Trailing 45-36 with 1:47 left in the half, sophomore Micah Hinrichs knocked down a three. The Broncos got another stop and Binder completed a three-point play, then after a missed three from Oklahoma City, Binder drained another three to tie it at 45 at the half.
Oklahoma City reclaimed the lead to begin the second half and while Hastings kept it close, they were unable to take the lead. At 53-51, a 9-2 run by the Stars put them ahead 62-53 at the 15:27 mark and pushed the lead to double digits a minute later. Senior DaRon Hall and sophomore Micah Hinrichs made shots to keep the Broncos in it, making it 73-65 with 8:53 remaining.
With the Stars leading 82-71 with 4:45 left, senior Myles Simon put back his own miss, and after a stop, Binder knocked down two free throws to make it 82-75. At 84-75, junior Ben Boudreau split a pair of free throws and Simon scored inside to cut the lead to six with 1:45 to go. From there, the Stars knocked down free throws and kept the Bronco offense from getting any closer, as they took it 91-81.
Hastings held a 40-39 rebounding advantage and made more free throws. Oklahoma City won the turnover battle, 11-5, and outscored the Broncos 15-4 in points off turnovers. Binder had a team-high 25 points with four threes, along with six rebounds and three assists. Hinrichs scored 21 points off the bench, contributing four rebounds as well.
Boudreau finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. Hall was also in double-figures off the bench with 11 points and six rebounds.
Up next, Hastings will play Clarke in Seward, NE on Friday, November 7 at 8pm as part of the Cattle Classic. They will play the following day at 4pm against Oklahoma City.
