(Dawson CC release)
GLENDIVE – The North Dakota State College of Science earned a Mon-Dak conference double-header sweep over Dawson Community College Thursday night in Glendive.
In a back and forth game that included seven ties and 16 lead changes, Dawson’s men held an eight-point advantage and seemed in control of the game after Taylan Barrett scored on an offensive rebound and put back. But helped by two DCC turnovers along with five straight points by Ismail Soumare, the visitors got right back into the game.
Melvin Newbern made four straight free throws to tie the game with 4:07 remaining. For the Bucs, Tate Savoie made a free throw and Brent Finn made a 3-pointer to give them a four point lead with under 3 minutes left.
Marquis Holloman answered with a 3-pointer of his own. Savoie answered back with a lay-up with 1:30 left. That was the last field goal the Bucs would make.
Melvin Newbern hit a bucket inside and then followed it up with a couple of free throws on the next possession to put the Wildcats up by 1. Down the stretch they made every free throw and closed it out for a 7 point victory 81-74.
Finn finished with 23 points, including five threes, while Harper contributed 17 points and 6 rebounds. Melvin Newbern led the visitors with 22 points and Sam Baker had 20.
The loss drops DCC to 14-5 on the season and 1-1 in the conference race. The defending conference champion Wildcats are now 14-4 and 2-0 in the conference.
The Lady Buccaneers meanwhile suffered their first loss in conference play, 68-52. The Lady Wildcats were not fazed as the visiting team as they forced 21 turnovers, while only having 12 of their own. They also outrebounded DCC 38-33 and shot better percentages from the field and free throw line.
NDSCS played solid defense, only committing 8 turnovers to Dawson’s 20. The bench for the Lady Wildcats also contributed 28 points, while 14 points came from DCC.
Point guard Dayuna Johnson led the game with 19 points for the Lady Wildcats and teammate Abby Johnson added 13. For DCC, Emily Harwood led with 11 points and 6 rebounds and Chasity Pope had 10 points and 8 rebounds. Ejanae Coopwood contributed 9 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals, but had 5 turnovers.
“We didn’t get a chance to show what our personnel can really do on both ends of the court,” said head coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. “There may have been some hesitancy from our freshmen facing off against one of the top teams in the conference. Some good signs of defensive pressure and offensive attack were in place, but ‘some’ will not cut it against NDSCS. When we become consistent in our attacks and minimize our mistakes, we will be fine.”
The Lady Bucs will be on the road to face Lake Region State College on Sunday, January 14th. They will return to home action on Thursday, January 18 at 5:30 pm.
