(Editor's note: DCC Athletics release)
WILLISTON, N.D. - The Dawson Community College Buccaneers won again on Sunday 64-61 at Williston to move their record to 13-2 on the year. They are two games up on their closest competitor in the Mon-Dak Conference.
It was a close contest vs. the Williston State Tetons that included 18 lead changes throughout. In the end, it was the Buccaneers dominance on the boards that provided the edge as they outrebounded WSC 44-29, including a 18-5 advantage on the offensive glass. They also outscored them in the paint 46-28.
Dawson Coach Joe Peterson shared his thoughts, “Williston did a really good job getting to the rim early on and scoring, but I think we eventually did a better job of getting back and protecting the rim. Our big guys had 9 blocked shots on the night and a lot of other shots they changed because of their presence.”
DCC built a seven point lead in the first seven minutes of the game, but then Williston came back to lead by 7 over the next eight minutes. Dawson closed the half though by outscoring the Tetons by eight points and went into the locker room with a one point lead 35-34.
The second half was back and forth until Dawson again closed the half with a strong showing. They were up by six points with 30 seconds left when Alonzo Linton nailed a 3-pointer. Dawson moved a couple free throws in the last seconds to give them a chance, but Williston’s desperation attempt at the buzzer wasn’t even close and the first place Bucs escaped with another close win.
Charles Lampten had another monster game with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks. Riley Spoonhunter was the only other Buccaneer in double figures with 11 points.
Alonzo Linton had a game high 25 points for the Tetons and Caleb Johnson contributed 17.
In their second matchup of the season, Dawson's women defeated Williston State College 78-56.
The Lady Buccaneers forced 20 turnovers, converting them into 14 points, and had 13 steals. Shooting 37% from 3-point range in the game was also an improvement from previous games. The Lady Bucs’ defense has continued to soar as they held the Lady Tetons to only 9% from the 3 point line. Dawson also outrebounded Williston 36-32.
“It wasn’t that pretty of a performance tonight, but the ladies held their composure and continued to play tough defense. Our defense is what is making us successful at the moment. There were times Williston would go on a run, but it never fazed us. Shooting 81% (25-31) from the foul line was something great to see as well this afternoon. When we’re locked in to dig in and play defense, it becomes contagious as a whole, “said DCC head coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr.
Bench points were a factor for the red and black as Dawson outscored Williston 30-4. Conference player of the week Ashya Klopfenstein recorded her 9th double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, along with 2 blocks and 6 steals, and a game high 5 assists. Tamiya Francis also scored 15 points, with 4 assists and 2 rebounds. Brynn Jolma had 11 points and 7 rebounds. Sarah Billmayer came off the bench to score 10 points and collect 3 steals.
Dawson is now 10-3 in conference with a second place standing.
Both Dawson teams return home for three straight games starting Wednesday night vs. Dakota College Bottineau.
