Dawson Community College 93 (24-6 and 13-0) Miles Community College 84 (17-11 and 9-4)
Dawson used their pressure and depth to come back from a 15 point deficit in the first half and beat Miles Community College for the third time this season. The 93-84 win extended their win streak to 14 games and put them one win away from a perfect 14-0 conference season.
Clinging to a one point lead after four minutes had expired in the game, the Pioneers went on a 17-3 run behind six points from big man Gedeon Buzangu and three three-pointers from different players. They held a commanding 25-10 lead with twelve minutes left in the half. Dawson didn’t flinch and fought back with a 13-3 run themselves. They forced several turnovers during that stretch and balanced scoring got them within striking distance as the first half wound down. Man Man Baker scored inside to bring the Bucs within two points at 36-34 with a minute remaining and Miles closed out the half ahead 38-34.
The second half was a battle as the teams changed leads 10 times. With 7:09 remaining the teams were knotted at 70-70. It was the eighth tie score of the game. Kolten Hitt made a big 3-pointer and after Devin Collins scored inside, Camron Dunfee and Beau Santistevan connected from long range to spark a 15-4 run to give Dawson the double digit lead. They scored 59 points in the second half by shooting 54% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. Their defense also tightened up by limiting Miles to 35% shooting from the field and only 31% from the 3-point line.
The Bucs forced 20 turnovers in the game and converted those into 22 points. They also outscored Miles in the paint 50-34 and their bench had a huge advantage 56-7. All five Pioneer starters reached double digits, but no one else had more than 5 points.
DCC Coach Joe Peterson shared his pride, "This game was great for us. Miles is a talented team and a good team. It's been a while since we got down in a game like that, but I loved how we kept our composure and kept fighting. With the way we play, I don't think we are ever out of a game. Our depth and balance can really wear people down. We might find ourselves in a similar situation in the post-season so this will help to prepare us for that scenario."
Six Bucs were in double figures, led by their two big men. Santistevan scored 21 and pulled down 5 rebounds. Collins had another double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Baker just barely missed a double-double, finishing with 12 points and 9 assists. Dunfee, Kolten Hitt and CJ Nelson had ten points each.
For Miles, Buzangu had a monster game with 21 points and 19 rebounds. Deondre Northey scored 18 points before fouling out.
Dawson's final regular season game will be at Bismarck State on Sunday and then they will host the Region XIII Tournament for the first time ever in Glendive February 27-29. They will get a bye in the first round and will await a semifinal match-up on Friday at 5:30 pm vs. the winner of the #4/#5 quarterfinal game.