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Pioneers Drop Tight Contest at Northwest College to Start 2024

Pioneers Drop Tight Contest at Northwest College to Start 2024
Posted: Jan 10, 2024

Pioneers 87... Northwest College 91

The MCC Pioneers shot 57% from the field and hit 13 3-point field goals but it would not be enough as the Northwest College Trappers squeaked out a 91-87 win behind strong offensive rebounding and a big advantage at the free throw line. 

The Pioneers only lead of the game was at 2-0 and they battled back from a 10-point deficit with 16:00 to go in the contest to cut the lead to 2 points late in the game. The Pioneers had 10 turnovers in the 1st half and the Trappers did not have a miscue as NWC built a 46-38 advantage at the break. 

Both teams had four players score in double figures on Tuesday night. NWC was led by Kolter Merritt (6'2 Sophomore) with 17 points (5-10 FG, 7-7 FT) and 8 rebounds while frontcourt mate Drew Larson (6'6 Freshman) also had 17 points (6-13 FG, 3-7 3's, 2-2 FT). Colin Hayes (6'6 Freshman) added 16 points (5-12 FT, 1-1 3's, 5-5 FT) and Will Hemme (6'0 Sophomore) put up 11 points (2-3 FG, 1-1 3's, 6-6 FT). 

Ryder Lee (6'5 Freshman) led the Pioneers in scoring with 24 points (6-14 FG, 5-9 3's, 7-7 FT) and fellow guard Payton Kokot (6'3 Sophomore) added 17 points (6-10 FG, 5-7 3's) and 4 rebounds. Ethan Venema (6'7 Sophomore) had 16 points (7-11 FG, 0-1 3's, 2-2 FT) and 4 rebounds. Ethan Bell (6'0 Sophomore) had 13 points (3-4 FG, 3-4 3's, 4-4 FT) and 4 assists. 

Inside the Box Score

  • The Pioneers shot 29-51 (57%) from the field and 13-21 (62%) from the 3-point line. The Pioneers connected on 16-18 (89%) from the free throw line. 
  • The Trappers shot 27-62 (44%) from the field and 9-18 (50%) from the 3-point line. The Trappers hit 28-31 (90%) from the free throw line. 
  • The Pioneers committed 15 turnovers compared to only 10 for the Trappers. 
  • MCC was outrebounded 35-20 by NWC and the Trappers had 17 offensive rebounds. MCC only had 2. 
  • The Pioneers had 15 assists compared to only 6 by the Trappers. 
  • MCC was whistled for 26 fouls and NWC had only 18. 

The Pioneers fell to 9-7 on the season and will continue MonDak Conference play on Thursday night in Glendive against Dawson CC. NWC improved to 7-9 on the season.