Pioneers 104... United Tribes 120

United Tribes broke open a close game late in the contest by blistering the scoreboard for 65 2nd half points in which they hit 11 3-point field goals as the Thunderbirds defeated the MCC Pioneers 120-104 on Sunday afternoon in Bismarck, ND. The T-Birds had 4 players score over 20 points in the contest. 

In a back and forth game that saw 13 ties and 14 lead changes and was tight throughout, the T-Birds used a late surge of 3-pointers and a perfect 18-18 effort at the free throw line in the 2nd half to secure the victory. 

Cayden Redfield (6'5 Sophomore) scored 29 points (9-19 FG, 5-10 3's, 6-6 FT) and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead both categories for the T-Birds. Riley Spoonhunter (6'3 Sophomore) and Trae Hugs (6'3 Sophomore) each scored 21 points and Houston Davis (6'4 Freshman) added 20 more (6-9 FG, 3-4 3's, 5-5 FT). Spoonhunter was 5-9 FG, 4-7 3's, and 7-7 FT while Hugs was 7-12 FG, 4-5 3's, 3-3 FT. 

The Pioneers were led by Aguir Dawam (6'7 Sophomore) with 25 points (10-16 FG, 0-1 3's, 5-6 FT) and 9 rebounds. Payton Kokot (6'3 Sophomore) hit for 20 points (7-14 FG, 5-10 3's, 1-2 FT) and 5 assists while Ethan Venema (6'7 Sophomore) added 18 points (6-12 FG, 2-3 3's, 4-4 FT). Ryder Lee (6'5 Freshman) had 12 points (4-13 FG, 4-9 3's) and Ethan Bell had 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-4 3's) and 4 assists. 

Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers shot 37-76 (49%) from the field and 15-28 (54%) from the 3-point line. MCC was 15-19 at the free throw line. 
• The T-Birds shot 37-82 (45%) from the field and 19-43 (44%) from the 3-point line. United Tribes hit a staggering 27-28 at the free throw line. 
• MCC outrebounded UTTC 46-43. Both teams had 14 offensive rebounds. 
• MCC committed 15 turnovers and United Tribes had just 5. 

The Pioneers fell to 5-4 in MonDak Conference play and 9-9 overall with their 6th consecutive loss. The T-Birds moved to 4-5 in MonDak play and are 7-8 overall. The Pioneers will play at North Dakota State College of Science on Monday night at 6:30 PM MST.