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Pioneers Drop 3rd Straight Game at Border Wars

Pioneers Drop 3rd Straight Game at Border Wars
Posted: Dec 10, 2023

Pioneers 91... Western Nebraska 101

The MCC Pioneer dropped their 3rd straight game at the Border Wars event in Gillette, WY on Saturday afternoon. Western Nebraska put 6 players in double figures and held off a late Pioneer charge for a 101-91 victory. The Pioneers cut a 16-point deficit to 5 points with 2:00 remaining but couldn't get any closer down the stretch. 

The score was tied 11-11 early but Western Nebraska went on a 12-0 run for a 23-11 lead. MCC cut that lead to 42-37 late in the first half but the Cougars sank a jumper at the buzzer for a 53-41 halftime lead. 

Western Nebraska put 6 players in double figures for the contest. Daniel Bula (6'5 Sophomore) led the way with 21 points (9-15 FG, 1-2 3's, 2-4 FT) and a team high 9 rebounds. Willie Wilson (6'1 Freshman) had 13 points (5-7 FG, 0-1 3's, 3-4 FT) and Maurice Walker (6'4 Sophomore) added 12 (3-7 FG, 2-5 3's, 4-4 FT). Nazir Griffin (6'0 Freshman), Junior Galicia (5'11 Freshman), and Kayden Nation(6'7 Freshman) each had 10 point for the Cougars. 

The Pioneers were led in scoring by Payton Kokot (6'3 Sophomore) with 23 points (8-14 FG, 3-5 3's, 4-6 FT) and 4 assists. Daniel Piech Meat (6'6 Sophomore) added 22 points (9-13 FG, 4-6 FT) and 7 rebounds off the bench. Ryder Lee (6'5 Freshman) had 11 points (4-6 FG, 1-3 3's, 2-4 FT) and 3 assists. Aguir Dawam (6'7 Sophomore) who was in foul trouble all game long had a team high 9 rebounds to go along with 4 assists. Ethan Bell (6'0 Sophomore) also had 4 assists and 5 rebounds. 

Inside the Box Score

  • The Pioneers shot 32-59 (54%) for the game and 7-15 from the 3-point line. MCC struggled at the free throw line hitting 20-30 (67%). 
  • The Cougars shot 34-67 (51%) from the field and 5-16 from the 3-point line. WNCC hit 28-35 (80%) from the free throw line. 
  • MCC outrebounded the Cougars 40-33 and had 9 offensive boards. The Cougars had 6 offensive boards. 
  • MCC was hampered by 24 turnovers (16 in 1st half). Western Nebraska had 17 turnovers. 
  • The teams were whistled for 27 fouls each for a total of 54 fouls. 

The Pioneers fell to 9-6 and will resume play January 9, 2024 at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming for a 7:30 PM MST tip.