For the first time since the 2021-22 season, the Dodge City men's basketball team has opened a season with a win in the season opener, marking the first under Head Coach
Brad Witherspoon. The Conquistadors traveled to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and earned a 91-82 victory over Western Nebraska.
The Conqs would overcome a slow start, trailing 11-3 early, but would work to an 18-18 tie with 12 minutes remaining in the first half. The lead flipped to the Conqs at 22-21 with roughly 11 minutes left in the first half, but Western Nebraska answered back with some three-point baskets and would take a 43-40 advantage into halftime. The Conqs would swing the lead their way with 15:23 remaining as
Derrick Rivers drove to the basket for a layup and free throw to make it 55-53. The lead would grow to nine for the Conqs, but Western Nebraska didn't go away, ultimately coming back to take a 71-70 lead with 7:59 left. The game would be tied at 72-72 with 7:27 and then 78-78 with 4:30 minutes remaining. Down the stretch, the Conqs would capitalize on the free throws, hitting several down the stretch as they would outscore Western Nebraska 13-4 over the final four and a half minutes of the game to earn the 91-82 victory.
The shots were falling for the Conqs as they shot 53.8% in the match and went 30-47 from the free throw line; the Conqs had 16 assists on 28 made field goals. Defensively, the Conqs held Western Nebraska to 33.8% shooting, while out-rebounding them 51-39 and had seven blocks.
Rivers paced the Conqs with 28 points on 8-16 shooting and 10-12 from the charity stripe, while adding six rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Jayvion Nurse chipped in 12 points with eight rebounds and three assists, while
Jordan Russell, off the bench, added 10 points and six rebounds.
Rickey Loftin II tallied 10 points on 5-9 shooting to give the Conqs four double-figure scorers.
Wesly Rosa had a strong game with five points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks.
The Conqs are at home for the first time for the 2025-26 season in their next matchup as they will host #13 Indian Hills on Tuesday, November 4th at 7:00 pm.
