(Editor's note: DCC Athletics release)
The Dawson Buccaneers got some revenge for one of their two losses on the season. Back on February 18th in Bismarck, Dawson lost 98-95 on a desperation 3-pointer at the end of the game. On Wednesday night, they made sure this game wouldn't come down to a last second shot against the Bismarck State Mystics. They ran out to an 18 point halftime lead and kept piling it on in the second half to win 96-66. Their record improved to 16-2 on the season. It was their 6th win a row and 24th straight home conference win.
Coach Joe Peterson commented, "Tonight was a lot of fun. We felt a little slighted after our loss at their place and we really showed hunger and drive tonight. Our pressure really bothered them and created a lot of offense for us and we really crashed the boards which gave us a big advantage. We had something to prove tonight and I think we proved it!"
Dawson started the game slow offensively and found themselves down 10-4 after allowing three second chance baskets to the visitors, but they held Bismarck scoreless over the next seven minutes as they scored 18 points unanswered to build a 22-10 cushion and they never looked back. During that run they forced 6 turnovers in Bismarck's next 12 possessions and scored 11 points off of those turnovers. Overall, they forced 15 first half turnovers and converted that into 16 points. Bismarck tried to climb back into it, but the Bucs went on another 15-4 run to close out the opening half. Reggie Martin scored the final 6 points on an offensive rebound and putback, a dunk and then two free throws to give Dawson a 39-21 lead going into the half. The Bucs converted 12 offensive rebounds into 15 second-chance points.
In the second half, the closest Bismarck State would get was a 12 point deficit with 17 minutes to go, but Dawson answered with a 19-4 run fueled by two Riley Spoonhunter 3-pointers as Dawson built a 25 point margin and cruised to victory.
The Buccaneers were led by Martin's efficient night of 20 points on 9-13 shooting, and added 6 rebounds (3 offensive), and 2 steals. Spoonhunter shot the ball well, scoring 16 points, including 4-6 from 3pt range, while Jalen Tot added 13 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and had 4 steals. Overall, the Buccaneers had a really efficient night shooting 49% from the field, grabbing 20 offensive rebounds, and only turning the ball over 7 times.
Bismarck State College's Macauley Young led them with 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds (5 offensive). Jamison Kramer added 16 points. The Mystics were plagued by their 22 turnovers and were out-rebounded 45-31 for the game.
Dawson will continue conference play on the road Sunday as they take on United Tribes, while Bismarck State will take on Miles Community College.
