(Editor's note: DCC Athletics release)
GLENDIVE - The basketball men at Dawson Community College bounced out of their short holiday break with a win at the Phoenix College Holiday Classic.
According to head coach Joe Peterson, DCC's free throw shooting (10-20) looked like it was still on holiday, but the rest of their game was in mid-season form as the Bucs beat South Mountain Community College 86-66.
Dawson was hanging onto a 22-21 lead with 8 minutes remaining in the half when they went on a 13-0 run that was spurred by their full-court defense forcing turnovers and converting them into points on the other end. South Mountain scored the final four points of the half and went into the break down by 10. That 10-point margin evaporated in the first three minutes of the half as the Cougars came out with more energy and effort.
A four-point play gave them the lead for the first time in the game with 16:30 remaining. Dawson came fighting back with another run that was once again sparked by their pressure defense. Man Man Baker scored on a couple of drives, Kolten Hitt connected from long range and Devin Collins scored on a put-back. Camron Dunfee then scored on three straight possessions to put Dawson up by double digits once again and South Mountain never got any closer.
The Bucs won the rebounding battle 43-33 and forced 20 turnovers while only giving it up 10 times themselves. Four players scored in double figures for Dawson led by Dunfee's 20 points. Baker finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Collins had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Kolten Hitt also contributed 12 points.
Dawson is now 10-5 on the season and will face the host team, Phoenix College, in the final game of the Phoenix College Holiday Classic.
