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Pioneers Run Past Western Nebraska To End 2024 Schedule

Pioneers Run Past Western Nebraska To End 2024 Schedule
Posted: Dec 08, 2024

Pioneers 123... Western Nebraska 113

The MCC Pioneers scored 69 2nd half points and rallied from a 12-point deficit for a 123-113 win over Region IX Western Nebraska on Saturday morning in Gillette, WY. 

The Pioneers took a 54-50 lead to the halftime break in a back and forth game that saw 5 ties and 12 lead changes. Western Nebraska got off to a quick start in the 2nd half building a 12-point lead with 15:00 to go in the game. It was all Pioneers from that point forward as MCC outscored WNCC in a fast paced, high scoring game by 22 points over the final 15 minutes. 

The Pioneers had 6 players reach double figures in the contest. Yohandry Ortiz (6'5 Freshman - Naples, FL) finished the game with a double-double that included 28 points (9-22 FG, 1-4 3's, 9-11 FT) to go along with 10 rebounds. Another double double was recorded by Mack Page (6'5 Sophomore - Worland, WY) with 23 points (10-12 FG, 3-3 FT), 10 rebounds, and 3 steals. . Randy Otieno (6'6 Freshman - Calgary, Alberta) came off the bench to score 20 points (7-13 FG, 3-6 3's, 3-4 FT) and grab 7 rebounds. Colton Hawkins (6'5 Sophomore - Pueblo, CO) pumped in 18 points (7-8 FG, 4-5 3's, 0-2 FT) and Azenio Cossa (6'2 Freshman - Maputo, Mozambique) added 16 points (5-9 FG, 0-2 3's, 6-8 FT) to go along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Jace Hill (6'1 Freshman - Columbia Falls, MT0 added 12 points (4-7 FG, 2-4 3's, 2-2 FT) and 5 assists. 

Western Nebraska (4-8) also had 6 players hit double figures led by Isaiah St. Preux (6'1 Freshman - Miramar, FL) with 26 points (9-13 FG, 2-4 3's, 6-6 FT) and 6 rebounds. Elijah Hollins (6'3 Sophomore - Hendersonville, TN) added 20 points (8-15 FG, 3-7 3's, 1-1 FT). Mathiang Maker (6'8 Sophomore - Melbourne, Australia) had 16 points (6-16 FG, 0-2 3's, 4-5 FT) and 9 rebounds. 

Inside the Box Score

  • The Pioneers shot 45-81 (56%) from the field and 10-24 (42%) from the 3-point line. MCC hit 23-30 at the free throw line. 
  • The Cougars shot 42-93 (45%) from the field and 9-37 (24%) from the 3-point line. WNCC hit 20-23 at the free throw line. 
  • MCC outrebounded WNCC 45-40. The Pioneers had 16 offensive rebounds and the Cougars had 20. 
  • MCC had 25 turnovers and WNCC had 19. 

The Pioneers are now 8-7 on the season and will be off until MCC starts MonDak Conference play on January 5 against North Dakota State College of Science at 3:00 PM in Miles City, MT.