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Thunderbird Offense Too Much For Pioneers

Thunderbird Offense Too Much For Pioneers
Posted: Jan 09, 2022

The United Tribes Thunderbird offense started hot and then used offensive rebounding when it cooled off to keep the MCC Pioneers at bay in a 107-96 UTTC victory at home in Bismarck, ND. The Thunderbirds raced out to an 18 point advantage in the first half only to see the Pioneers cut that lead to 3 shortly before the halftime break. UTTC took a 62-56 halftime lead to the locker room and held off every run the Pioneers could make in the 2nd half. 

Each time the Pioneers would get in striking distance, the Thunderbirds would have the answer either by getting a loose ball, an offensive rebound, or a big basket late in the shot clock. United Tribes had 5 players reach double figures in the high scoring contest. Famous Lefthand (6'2 Freshman) led the way with 32 points (13-20 FG, 2-4 3's, 4-5 FT) and added 7 rebounds in the contest. DK Middleton (6'2 Freshman) added 18 points (8-11 FG, 0-1 3's, 2-3 FT) to go along with 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Sylvester Union (5'10 Freshman) scored 19 points (9-14 FG, 0-1 3's) and Tahj Two Bulls (6'3 Freshman) added 11 points (4-9 FG, 1-4 3's, 2-2 FT). 

The Pioneers also had 5 players reach double figures in the game. Blessing Adesipe (6'6 Freshman) scored 20 points (7-13 FG, 3-6 3's, 3-4 FT's) and a team high 7 rebounds. Tvon Jones (6'3 Freshman) scored 17 points (7-16 FG, 2-8 3's, 1-2 FT) as did Ray Daniels (6'6 Freshman) on (6-12 FG, 4-5 3's, 1-2 FT). Paul Gakmar (6'7 Freshman) added 15 points (6'10 FG, 3-4 FT) and Eli Habighorst (6'1 Freshman) had 12 points (4-6 FG, 1-2 3's, 3-4 FT) and a team high 7 assists. 

Inside the Box Score6

  • United Tribes outrebounded the Pioneers 44-31. The Thunderbirds had 18 offensive rebounds. 
  • Both teams shot over 50% from the field. UTTC (43-80 FG - 54%) and MCC (36-70 - 51%).
  • Miles was 11-25 (44%) from the 3-point line and United Tribes was 7-26 (27%).
  • The Pioneers shot 13-18 (72%) from the FT line and UTTC was 14-16 (88%)
  • The Thunderbirds had 15 turnovers and the Pioneers 11. 

MCC fell to 2-6 in MonDak Conference play and 4-12 overall. United Tribes moved to 5-4 in conference play and 11-4 overall. MCC will head to Wahpeton, ND to play league leading NDSCS Wildcats Monday night at 6:00 PM MST.