(Editor's note: DCC Athletics release)
GLENDIVE - The Dawson Community College basketball men won their 14th game of the season which is the most in the country for NJCAA Division I teams.
DCC handed Dakota College Bottineau a 86-74 loss on Wednesday night. It was their 22nd straight home win against conference opponents.
Coach Joe Peterson shared his insights, "I don't think we are playing as well as we are capable of playing right now. Sometimes success can lead to complacency and I think we have some of that at this point in the season. We need to get back to the basics and remember what has led to our success and be hungry to get better every day. We are nearing the home stretch of the season and need to push hard to play our best basketball at the end of the season and be ready for a good run in the post-season."
Dawson had 5 players score in double digits, and continued their disruptive defense by forcing 23 turnovers. Free throws kept the Lumberjacks in the game as they shot 16-20 for the game.
The Buccaneers were led by Reggie Martin's 17 points, 8 rebounds (5 offensive), and 2 steals. JaJuan Tot added 13 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists. Both Michael Jok (6'3 RFr Guard) and Kennedy Brown added 12 points each.
Dakota College at Bottineau's Trayvon Barney had a game high 25 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists. Erik Palmer made a big impact for the Lumberjacks as he finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds.
Dawson will continue conference play at home Sunday against their rival Miles Community College, while Dakota College at Bottineau will play at Williston State.
DCC's women introduced their defensive pressure to Dakota College at Bottineau winning scoring 26 points off Dakota’s 33 turnovers in a 72-54 win. The Lady Bucs were ferocious on defense collecting 18 steals and holding their opponents to only 18 points in the first half.
Head coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. commented on the game, “Though we struggled at times from the field, it was great to see our ladies be on the same page, and commit to defensive pressure and rotations. Because of that, we were absolutely phenomenal with our full court pressure. I know I wouldn’t want to go against that. The team is growing stronger and closer as the season is continuing, and that is something great in the final month of conference competition.”
Another great asset in the game is Dawson’ bench play. They scored 30 points off the bench compared to Dakota’s 5. Ashya Klopfenstein recorded her 10th double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds, along with 4 steals, 3 assists and 1 block. Tamiya Francis scored a game high 16 points and added 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Brianna Bergum chipped in with 8 points and Aichatou Camara had 7.
The Lady Buccaneers will be playing their third game this week hosting the Lady Mystics of Bismarck State College on Friday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. This will be a make-up game that was originally scheduled in January.
