The Williston State Tetons came to Miles City with only 5 roster players due to Covid-19 protocols and rode the fortunes of the free throw line to squeeze past the MCC Pioneers 60-50 on Thursday night at the MCC Centra. 4 of the 5 Tetons hit double figures in a balanced scoring night led by Keeley Tini (Aukland, New Zealand) with 16 points (5-10 FG, 0-3 3's, 6-8 FT) and 8 rebounds. Irene de la Fuente (Valladolid, Spain) had a big night at the free throw line scoring 14 points (2-11 FG, 10-12 FT) to go along with 7 boards. Hayley McDonald (Canberra, Australia) scored 13 points (4-7 FG, 5-5 FT) and Emily Kurkowski added 10 points (4-11 FG, 2-7 3's) and 5 steals. 

The Tetons turned a 2-point 1st quarter deficit to a 8-point halftime lead with a 18-8 advantage in the 2nd quarter. The lead swelled to 17 midway thru the 4th quarter before the Pioneers made a late run. Gabby Flute Player (Flandreau, SD) was the only Pioneer in double figures with 20 points (7-17 FG, 4-10 3's, 2-2 FT) and 6 rebounds. Ella Paleea-Cook (Melbourne, Australia) led the Pioneers with 9 rebounds and 4 steals. 

Inside the Box Score

• The FT line was the difference in the game. Williston State hit 22-27 (82%) and the Pioneers were 7-7 (100%).
• Each team hit 18 field goals in the game with the Pioneers connecting on 36% and the Tetons 38%. 
• The Pioneers were 7-26 from 3-point line and the Tetons were 2-12.
• MCC had 34 rebounds (9 offensive) and WSC had 31 (8 offensive).
• The Pioneers had 22 turnovers to only 12 for the Tetons. 

The Pioneers are 1-11 in MonDak Conference play and 3-18 overall. They will host Bismarck State on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 PM. The Tetons are 7-4 in MonDak play and 10-10 overall.