Dawson Drops One on the Road

The Dawson Bucs got beat by the Williston State Tetons 105-92 on the road Sunday afternoon, snapping their 13 game winning streak. It was the first time Dawson had lost since back on December 29th. The loss spoiled the Bucs perfect conference record and dropped them to 26-3 on the season and 12-1 in conference with one game remaining on Monday night at Dakota College Bottineau. 

"We didn't play winning basketball tonight," explained Bucs Coach Joe Peterson. "Williston played harder than us, they had better energy than us, and they played more like a team than we did. They absolutely smacked us on the boards and we couldn't get stops on the defensive end. I hope this will be good for us in the long run, but it sure doesn't feel very good right now."

The first half was hotly contested with 11 lead changes. Dawson got out to an early five point lead, but the Tetons were the ones up by seven points with a minute remaining before the break. Dawson scored five straight points to pull within two heading into the locker room. Seth Amunrud and Justin Asi each scored ten points for Dawson and Josiah McDonald scored ten for the Tetons. 

In the second half, Williston took command of the game with strong rebounding, tough drives to the basket, and timely three's. They were led by McDonald, Demetric Kindle, Richard Massey and Benjamin Yombi. The Tetons built up a 17 point lead with five minutes remaining. Dawson mounted a few runs, but couldn't quite get close enough to give themselves a chance in the final minute. 

Williston outrebounded the visitors 42-28 for the game. It was only the 6th time all year Dawson has lost the battle of the boards. Williston outscored Dawson in the paint, 56-44, off turnovers, 22-14, and off the bench, 41-33. 

This was Dawson's first loss to Williston since 2022. It had been 9 straight in favor of the Bucs before Sunday's loss. 

McDonald finished with a game high 28 points and 9 rebounds for the Tetons. Seth Amunrud led Dawson with 21 points. Jordan Jasper scored 16 and Justin Asi finished with 15, while Ade Onaleye scored 14 points.