(Editor's note: Miles Community College media releases)
MILES CITY -- The Miles Community College men's and women's basketball teams earned a doubleheader sweep of Lake Region State College on Monday. The MCC men won 71-60, while the women got a 77-53 win.
Miles Community College men 71, Lake Region State College 60
Jakim Ricketts knocked down 6 of 8 3-point field goals en route to 20 points and three assists to help the Pioneers to a 71-60 home men's basketball win over Lake Region State College on Monday. The win was the Pioneers' fourth consecutive victory and seventh in their past eight games.
Fellow sophomore guard Dylan Hushaw chipped in 17 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists. Sophomore forward Remy Lemovou scored 10 points, grabbed six rebounds and had five blocks, spearheading the Pioneer defensive efforts. Favour Chukwukelu had a tough night shooting but also scored in double figures with 11 points. He also had five assists and five rebounds.
The Pioneers led by as many as 18 points in the first half (39-21) before the Royals rallied in the second half behind the hot shooting of Carson Henningsgard, who hit three consecutive 3-pointers as the Royals cut the Pioneer lead to four points. Henningsgard finished with 16 points to go along with four assists and four rebounds. Beijan Newbern was the only other Royal in double figures with 11 points.
The Pioneers shot 45% (25 of 55) from the field and 36% from 3-point line (12 of 33). The Royals were held to 35% from the floor (23 of 65) and 30% on 3s (7 of 23).
MCC moved to 7-5 in MonDak Conference play and 8-5 overall, while the Royals slipped to 6-5 in league play and 7-5 overall.
The Pioneers will host the NDSCS Wildcats on Wednesday and Thursday night at the MCC Centra. Both games will tip off at 7:30 p.m.
Miles Community College women 77, Lake Region State College 53
The seventh-place Lake Region State Royals gave the MonDak Conference-leading Miles Community College Pioneers all they could handle for three quarters on Monday night, but the Pioneers outscored the Royals 27-11 in the fourth quarter to propel MCC to a 77-53 home win. The Pioneers moved to 11-0 in MonDak Conference play and 12-0 overall.
Rebekah Dallinger returned to the lineup after sitting out the last game with an injury to score 25 points, grab five rebounds and nab four steals to lead MCC. Lili Long continued her strong play by netting 16 points and grabbing six rebounds. Freshman forward Kate Tanner dominated in the paint by scoring 11 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. The Pioneers dominated the Royals on the boards, out-rebounding LRSC 49-30 for the game, including 22 offensive rebounds. That was a big factor in the win as MCC shot only 38% (24 of 63) from the field. Kelbee Denham dished out a career-high seven assists.
The Royals had only one player in double figures as Kayla Byrne led Lake Region with 18 points.
MCC doesn't get much time to revel in the victory as it hosts North Dakota State College of Science on Wednesday and Thursday at the MCC Centra. Both games are scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.
