Pioneers 67... Williston State 59

Freshman forward Ethan Venema scored 24 points (11-15 FG, 2-2 FT), grabbed 9 rebounds, and had 3 blocked shots including 16 in the 2nd half as the Pioneers surged past the Williston State Tetons 67-59 on Monday night in Miles City, MT. The Tetons led at halftime 22-21 in a half where turnovers were plenty and shot making was at a premium. Both teams shot 9-33 (27%) in the first half and combined for 27 turnovers. 

The 2nd half pace picked up as the Pioneers outscored the Tetons 46-37. The Tetons built a 5-point lead with 16:00 to play but over the next 13 minutes, MCC outscored the Tetons by 16 points to build an 11-point bulge. Blessing Adesipe (6'6 Forward) added 18 points (5-16 FG, 2-5 3's, 6-8 FT) and 11 rebounds while Denzel Kabasele (6'3 Sophomore) also put up 18 points (7-16 FG, 1-4 3's, 3-5 FT) and 4 assists. Freshman guard Chazz Haws (6'1) helped out with 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The Pioneers shot 17-27 (63%) from the field in the 2nd half and 9-13 from the field to account for 46 points. 

Williston State was led by Abiodun Adedo (6'7 Sophomore) with 27 points (12-22 FG, 0-3 3's, 3-4 FT) and 12 rebounds Wilson Rankin (6'2 Freshman) added 12 points (5-16 FG, 1-6 3's, 1-2 FT). Moses Gordon (6'5 Freshman) had 13 rebounds to lead the Tetons. 

Inside the Box Score

• MCC finished the game 26-60 (43%) including a paltry 3-13 from 3-point land. They were 12-27 at the free throw line. 
• WSC was 25-69 (36%) from the field and 3-22 from 3-point land. They were 6-12 from the free throw line. 
• The Pioneers committed 24 turnovers to 23 for the Tetons. 
• There were 10 ties and 6 lead changes in the contest.
• MCC outrebounded WSC 41-39. MCC had 7 offensive boards and WSC had 9. 

The win was the first streak of the season in terms of wins for the Pioneers. MCC is now 5-13 in MonDak Conference play and 6-21 overall. Williston State fell to 3-14 in MonDak play and 5-19 overall. The Pioneers will host Lake Region State College on Sunday afternoon at 3:0 PM MST.