Pioneers 84... Lake Region State 72

Azenio Cossa (6'3 Sophomore - Maputo, Mozambique) poured in 36 points (14-21 FG, 1-4 3's, 7-9 FT) grabbed 12 rebounds, and had 6 assists as the Pioneers grabbed control of the game late in the first half and carried the momentum to the 2nd half in a 84-72 win over Lake Region State College on Sunday afternoon in Miles City. 

The Pioneers got a big lift off the bench from Randy Otieno (Sophomore - Calgary, Alberta) and Josh Gosar (Freshman - Pinedale, WY). Otieno dropped 13 points (4-9 FG, 3-7 3's, 2-2 FT) and Gosar added 12 (4-7 FG, 2-4 3's, 2-2 FT) as the Pioneer bench outscored Lake Region's bench 27-17.

Jace Hill (Sophomore - Columbia Falls, MT) added 10 points (3-11 FG, 2-8 3's, 2-3 FT) and 4 assists while Shad Boyce (6'8 Freshman) corralled 14 rebounds to lead both teams. Dane Hagler led the way for the Royals with 20 points. 

After trailing by 5 with 15:00 remaining in the 1st half, the Pioneers built a 41-33 lead at halftime and grew that lead to as many as 16 points in the 2nd half.

Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers shot 29-67 (43%) from the field and 9-30 (30%) from 3-point range. MCC was 17-22 (77%) at the free throw line. 
• The Royals shot 28-67 (42%) from the field and 8-23 (35%) from 3-point range. LRSC was 8-13 (62%) at the free throw line. 
• The Pioneers outrebounded the Royals 42-35. LRSC had only 5 offensive boards and the Pioneers had 10. 
• MCC committed 9 turnovers and LRSC had 13. 
• Lake Region had 13 fouls and Miles had 15.
• There were 5 ties and 8 lead changes in the 1st half. 

The Pioneers moved to 9-12 overall and 2-1 in MonDak Conference play. Lake Region fell to 9-11 overall and 0-3 in MonDak Conference play.

MCC will host a Martin Luther King Day matinee on Monday as the NDSCS Wildcats will visit the Centra for a 1:00 PM tipoff.