Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Dawson Squeaks By Pioneers In Conference Opener

Dawson Squeaks By Pioneers In Conference Opener
Posted: Jan 09, 2026

Pioneers 79... Dawson 82

The MCC Pioneers and the Dawson Buccaneers went toe to toe for 40 minutes on Thursday night in Miles City, MT. Azenio Cossa's 3-point field goal attempt hit off of the front rim at the buzzer that would have sent the game to overtime as Dawson survived a 82-79 thriller to start MonDak Conference play. 

A back and forth game that saw neither team lead by more than 6 points was eventually decided at the free throw line. The Pioneers hit just 11-18 free throws including 2 front end of 1 & 1 situations at crucial times in the game. With Dawson leading 80-78, Pioneer guard Donnie Haney got a steal and was on his way for the tying layup when he was fouled with 2.9 seconds remaining. Haney missed the 1st and made the 2nd to cut the lead to 1 point. MCC fouled right away and Dawson hit 2 free throws for a 82-79 lead. A long pass down court was tipped to Cossa and his game tying 3 was right on line but just short. 

Cossa (6'3 Sophomore - Maputo, Mozambique) led the Pioneers with 19 points (7-18 FG, 0-2 3's, 5-7 FT) to go along with 4 assists and 4 rebounds. Jace Hill (6'1 Sophomore - Columbia Falls, MT) came up with a season high 18 points (7-12 FG, 4-7 3's) and 5 rebounds.  Uwami Chongo (6'8 Sophomore - Maputo, Mozambique) hit for 17 points (7-15 FG, 2-8 3's, 1-1 FT) and 8 rebounds while frontcourt mate Shad Boyce (6'8 Freshman - Winifred, MT) had 10 points (4-10 FG, 2-4 FT) and 8 rebounds. 

Sharif Yakubu led Dawson with 19 points (8-10 FG, 3-4 FT) and 8 rebounds. 

Inside the Box Score

  • The Pioneers shot 30-71 (42%) from the field and 8-26 (31%) from the 3-point line. MCC was 11-18 from the free throw line. 
  • The Buccaneers shot 31-65 (47%) from the field and 3-19 from the 3-point line. DCC was 17-24 at the free throw line. 
  • Dawson outrebounded Miles 43-33. Dawson had 11 offensive rebounds and Miles had 8. 
  • The Pioneers committed 12 turnovers and Dawson had 16. 
  • There were 9 ties and 15 lead changes in the game. Dawson's largest lead was 6 points and Miles largest lead was 5 points. 

The Pioneers dropped their 6th consecutive game and are now 7-12 on the season and 0-1 in MonDak Conference play. They will travel to Williston on Monday, January 12 for a 6:30 PM MST tipoff.