(DCC Athletics release)
GLENDIVE – In their first game back after the Christmas break, Dawson Community College jumped out to an early lead and won it’s fourth in a row with a 143-48 victory over Turtle Mountain Community College.
The Bucs dominated a first half by forcing 13 turnovers, beating the visitors on the boards by 19 and shooting 57% from the field. They held the Mikinocks to 27% shooting from the field and only 12% from the 3-point line. Colten Birkland hit a 3-pointer at the end of the half to get the visitors up to 20 points heading into intermission, but they still faced a 41 point deficit.
The second half was a similar story with Dawson’s pressure defense forcing turnovers and allowing the Bucs to play at a fast pace. Most of their shots were dunks, lay-ups or 3-pointers. Dawson outscored TMCC by 54 points in the second half. The stats were pretty one-sided with Dawson winning the rebound battle 62-19 and getting 23 steals to score 31 points off of turnovers. The Bucs shot even better in the second half, connecting on 69% from the field and 55% from long range.
DCC scored 81 points off the bench with 10 of the 11 players dressed for the game getting into the scoring column. Eight players were in double figures. CJ Nelson led the Bucs with 26 points on 10-14 FG and 6-9 3’s. Camron Dunfee had 23 points and 6 rebounds. Marcus Stephens finished with 20 points and 4 assists. Man Man Baker had an impressive all-around game with 12 points, 13 assists, 5 steals and 5 rebounds. Devin Collins grabbed 14 rebounds and Beau Santistevan had 13 rebounds. Turtle Mountain Community College was led in scoring by Colten Birkland with 18 points.
Dawson Coach Joe Peterson praised his players, “I thought we brought a lot of intensity and played pretty solidly. It is not easy when you get up by a lot early on to stay focused, but we managed to do it throughout. Stone Child will be a much better test on Monday night and will help to get us ready for our conference opener.”
The Bucs play their final non-conference game of the season on Monday night at 6:00 pm vs. Stone Child College.
