In the final regular season game of the year, the Lady Buccaneers came up just short in a
double overtime matchup against Miles Community College where the score was tied 19
times and there were 21 lead changes. Miles had a three point lead at halftime, but
Dawson managed to close the gap and the score was tied after three quarters. Both
teams went on to score 10 points in the fourth quarter and 4 points in the first
overtime. Once Sabira Ahayeva fouled out of the game for Dawson, the offense
struggled and Miles won the second overtime 15 – 11 to win the game 80 – 76.

Dawson committed 26 turnovers in comparison to 15 from Miles which led to a 16 to 8
point differential off turnovers. Dawson had more personal fouls 22 – 15 leading to
Miles scoring 21 points from the free throw line in comparison to 5 from Dawson. Miles
also finished the game with more assists (19 – 16) and more steals (12 – 7) than
Dawson. Dawson however won the rebounding battle (49 – 39) and shot a higher field
goal percentage (40 – 33).

Ahayeva led all scorers in the game with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists. Hailee
Brandon added 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Shannon Burton scored 12 points
and also grabbed 7 rebounds to go along with 2 assists. Michelle Arens pulled down a
team high 13 rebounds and had 4 points and 2 assists.

After two big wins in a row, defeating Lake Region and Bismarck, Dawson has shown
major signs of improvement and Miles has also been steadily improving throughout the
season, winning 5 of their last 6 games, including a win against second place Williston
State College. Miles will go on to play at Bismarck in the first round of the playoffs and
Dawson will host a playoff game against Lake Region State College on Wednesday
March 1st.

"What a game! The fact that we were able to keep finding ways to stay in it with such a
large disparity in points from the free throw line and off of turnovers is impressive,"
shared Dawson Coach Rich Mullin. "I'm disappointed with the outcome, but our ladies
worked extremely hard to keep us in the game. We have a strong group of young
women, a few of which are battling through some things or returning from injuries and
I'm confident this experience will make us better as a result."