Pioneers 73... Western Nebraska 79

The MCC Pioneers opened Monday night's with 5 cracks at scoring on the opening possession. None of those shot fell and it was just a sign of things to come as the Pioneers failed to convert golden opportunities for scoring all evening long. 

MCC hit just 33% from the field and 14% from the 3-point line and still had a chance to win the game with a minute remaining. 

Azenio Cossa (6'3 Sophomore - Maputo, Mozambique) led all scorers with 29 points (10-18 FG, 1-4 3's, 8-16 FT) and grabbed 10 rebounds on the night. Jace Hill (6'1 Sophomore - Columbia Falls, MT) added 11 points (1-5 FG, 1-4 3's, 8-9 FT) and 4 rebounds. Shad Boyce (6'8 Sophomore - Winifred, MT) added 9 points and a game high 13 rebounds. 

Vikto Lukic-Gavric led Western Nebraska with 21 points (8-14 FG, 4-8 3's, 1-2 FT) and also had 7 rebounds. 

Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers shot 19-58 (33%) from the field and 3-22 (14%) from 3-point line. MCC was 32-44 (73%) at the free throw line. 
• The Cougars shot 27-73 (37%) from the field and 9-30 (30%) from 3-point line. WNCC was 16-25 (64%) at the free throw line. 
• MCC outrebounded Western Nebraska 51-39. The Pioneers had 16 offensive rebounds and WNCC had 14. 
• MCC had 13 turnovers and Western Nebraska had 3. 
• There were 7 ties and 4 lead changes in the game. 
• WNCC had a 14 point lead in 2nd half before Pioneers cut lead to 3. 

The Pioneers record is an even 4-4 and will have a rematch with Eastern Wyoming on Friday afternoon at 3:30 PM in Gillette, WY.