Pioneers 86... Williston State 89

A frantic 2nd half rally by the MCC Pioneers fell just short as Williston State snuck out an 89-86 win on day 2 of the MonDak Conference tipoff tournament. The Pioneers trailed 58-43 at the half and by 20 points with 14:00 remaining before making a huge run. MCC climbed all the way back in to the game and took a 3-point lead with just over 2 minutes to go but a couple of costly turnovers cost the Pioneers down the stretch. 

Pioneer Sophomore Payton Kokot (Livingston, MT) got a clean look at a 3-point field goal to send the game to overtime but the ball bounced just off the rim. 

MCC was led in scoring by Ethan Venema (6'7 Sophomore, Churchill, MT) with 22 points (11-19 FG) to go along with 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks and got another 22 points (11-20 FG, 0-2 FT) from Aguir Dawam (6'7 Sophomore, Melbourne, Australia). Ryder Lee (6'5 Freshman, Miles City, MT) added 16 points (4-9 FG, 2-4 3's, 6-6 FT), 3 assists, and 4 steals. 

Williston State got a big game from Tyler Best (6'6 Sophomore) with 26 points (7-15 FG, 6-14 3's, 6-6 FT) including 23 in the 1st half. Freedom Leon (6'4 Freshman) had 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-1 3's) and Rex Stirling (6'8 Freshman) added 9 points and 13 rebounds. 

Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers hit 37-72 FG (51%) and 4-9 (44%) from 3-point range. MCC was 8-10 from the free throw line. 
• Williston State hit 31-67 FG (46%) and 13-29 (44%) from 3-point range. The Tetons were 14-24 at the free throw line. 
• Both teams had 38 rebounds and the Tetons had 13 offensive rebounds to 10 for the Pioneers. 
• Both teams had 16 turnovers and 8 steals in the game. 

MCC will play Sunday morning at 9:00 AM MST against Bismarck State.