HESSTON, Kan. — The Hesston College men’s basketball team wrapped up its regular season Saturday afternoon with a 90–70 loss to Arkansas Baptist at Yost Gym.
The Larks battled throughout a competitive first half that featured four lead changes. Brennon Dodge scored early inside off an assist from Antonio Odum, and Rob Gambill added a layup to help Hesston grab the lead in the opening minutes. Dodge continued to attack the paint, and Devin Lewis knocked down a three-pointer late in the half as the Larks kept pace.
Arkansas Baptist closed the opening period on a jumper at the buzzer to take a narrow 34–32 lead into halftime.
Hesston stayed within striking distance early in the second half. Dodge converted free throws and a strong drive to the rim to cut the deficit to one, and Trent Thompson powered in a pair of layups in the paint to tie the game at 47–47 midway through the half.
From there, Arkansas Baptist began to pull away. The Buffaloes strung together a scoring run fueled by second-chance opportunities and free throws, stretching the margin to double digits. Despite a three-pointer from Thompson and another from Lewis, the Larks were unable to slow the surge as Arkansas Baptist shot 50 percent from the field in the second half and built the lead to as many as 24 down the stretch.
Dodge led Hesston with 24 points and five assists, while Thompson added 18 points and six rebounds. Odum finished with 12 points and four assists, and Lewis chipped in six off the bench.
As a team, Hesston shot 33.8 percent from the field and 4-of-20 from three-point range while converting 22-of-30 free throws. Arkansas Baptist capitalized on second-chance opportunities and received 42 points from its bench to secure the win.
With the result, the Larks conclude the season at 5–22, closing out the year on their home floor in their final contest of the regular season.
