Dawson Wins Opener at Mon-Dak Tip Off Tournament
(pictured: Kose Egbule)
The Dawson Buccaneers looked like they were going to run away with an easy win in their opening game at the Buster Gillis Mon-Dak Tip Off Tournament, but they couldn’t put away the pesky United Tribes Technical College Thunderbirds. After the #1 seed Bucs built up a 17 point lead in the first half, UTTC closed out the half on a 12-6 run to pull within 11. The comeback continued in the second half as the T-Birds actually took the lead briefly, before Dawson closed out the game for the 84-76 win.
Both teams shot around 37% from the field in the first half and neither team shot very well from the 3 point line either. Dawson took advantage of 13 turnovers from United Tribes to gain the 11 point advantage. UTTC outshot Dawson in the second half 44% to 38% and outscored them 43-40. The Bucs though had a big advantage on the glass, outrebounding them by 10, and that was the major difference in the game.
Dawson Coach Joe Peterson said, “Tribes played really tough tonight. They were a little more hungry than us and we had a hard time staying in front of their ball-handlers. I thought we looked a step slow and didn’t compete as hard as we should have. It wasn’t our best shooting night, but I like that we stuck with it and found a way to win. Sometimes the first game of a tournament is the toughest one. I think tonight will make us better in the long run.”
Jalen Tot again led the way for DCC with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Michael Jok added 13 points and 5 rebounds. Jajuan Tot contributed 11 points and 8 rebounds. For the Thunderbirds Dakari Middleton had 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Luke Wells had 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Dawson advances to the semifinals to face Williston State College who beat Miles Community College in Overtime on Friday. The semifinals will begin Saturday night at 7:00 pm CST. The Tournament is being played at the 4Bears Events Center in New Town, North Dakota and the games are live-streamed at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/lrsc/
