GLENDIVE – Once again, the Dawson Community College Buccaneer men executed down the stretch in a 79-75 win over Williston State Thursday night.
During Dawson’s five-game winning streak, three of their games have come down to the final minute and the Bucs have earned the victory each time. On this night, it was some clutch free throw shooting by Simon Falokun, Tyrel Harper and especially Big Timber native Brent Finn. Finn went 10-10 from the free throw line in the game.
It was a close game throughout the 2nd half and Williston’s Mychael Paulo nailed a 3-pointer to tie the game up at 69 with 2:12 remaining. Travon Hamilton answered back for the Bucs with a pull-up jumper from the right side. The Tetons made a free-throw on the other end before Hamilton found Taylan Barrett under the basket for a tough lay-in to regain a 73-70 advantage. Then Hamilton made a free throw to give DCC a four point lead. Michael Vandall answered back with a quick three, but Harper nailed two free throws, Falokun made one and Finn salted the game away with two more.
“I like how we seem to find different ways to win each night,” said head coach Joe Peterson. “Sometimes it’s in a shootout and other times in a defensive battle, but when we defend well and control the boards, we can play with anyone.”
Dawson’s big three performed well with Finn leading the way with 23 points. Harper finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds while Falokun had 18 points and 13 rebounds. Four players were in double figures for the visitors.
The win moves Dawson’s record to 19-6 on the season and 5-2 in conference play. They will travel to Wahpeton, North Dakota to face three-time defending conference champion North Dakota State College of Science on Monday. They are 7-0 in league play so far.
The Lady Buccaneers meanwhile got back on track and defeated Williston State College 79-61 in the early game Thursday.
DCC dominated the first half 38-15, and lead by as much as 35 points in the 3rd quarter before coasting to the finish.
“It wasn’t a pretty sight ending the game, but a win will always make it feel much better,” said head coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. “I just felt we needed momentum before we get on the road and play the #1 and undefeated team in conference and #20 ranked nationally. I mean, yes we did dominate for three-quarters of the game, but we must finish strong. I believe in my whole team being good ball players, not just the starting five.”
Six Lady Bucs scored in double figures. Sara Anderson had 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Emily Harwood also had 15 points and 8 rebounds. Alexius Foster had 12 points and 5 rebounds. Lexia Bell-White added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. MacKinzie Verke chipped in with 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Chasity Pope came off the bench to contribute 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Dawson will be on the road next to play North Dakota State College of Science on Monday at 5:30 p.m.
