Dawson Takes Care of #9 Ranked Pima Community College
The Dawson Buccaneers won their 11th straight game, beating host Pima Community College 113-86. Pima came into the game with an 11-3 record, a four game winning streak, and ranked #9 in the nation for NJCAA Division 2. The Bucs shot 50% from the field, 42% from the 3-point line and 81% from the free throw for the game. On the defensive end, Dawson forced 26 turnovers.
The game was back and forth early on with 7 ties and 4 lead changes as both teams were playing fast and furious up and down the court. As the first half wore on, the Aztecs wore down. They had a 6 point lead (20-14) with 13:42 left in the half and then Dawson took off. Over the next ten minutes, DCC turned that deficit into a 19 point lead, using great defense and their fast paced offense. Pima closed out the half well whittling the deficit down to 12 at the break, 54-42. Dawson only shot 31% from the 3-point line in the first half, but they forced 18 turnovers in the twenty minutes. Michael Jok scored 12 points for Dawson in the half and Traivar Jackson had 13 points for Pima.
After scoring 54 in the first half, Dawson’s offense got even better in the second half. The visitors made 10 out of 19 3’s in the second half. Their 52% aim from long range was actually higher than their two point accuracy in the final twenty minutes. Pima never got closer than their 12 point half-time deficit and Dawson cruised to another win.
“I was really impressed with our effort tonight,” said Bucs Coach Joe Peterson. “We competed really hard for 40 minutes. It’s not easy to win on the road, especially against good teams like Pima. Our guys really stayed together through some adversity, battling with some injuries and other external forces. They stayed positive and just kept bringing it. They were having a lot of fun on the court and on the bench. I loved how often we turned down a good shot and made the extra pass to get a great shot.”
Michael Jok led the way again with 21 points. Kennedy Brown added 20 points, 9 boards and 2 blocks. Jalen Tot and Joe Mpoyo also reached double figures with 13 points each. Pima was led by Jackson’s 21 points and Billings Central grad Chrishon Dixon who had 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
Dawson will play Cochise College in the final game of the Aztec Classic on Wednesday at 2:00 pm. Dawson is 14-1 on the season and Cochise College is 15-1 on the season.
