The MCC Pioneer women built a 45-31 halftime lead and held on late as the United Tribes T-Birds rallied in the 2nd half to cut the lead to 4 before the Pioneers finished it off with a 71-65 win at home in Miles City, MT. The Pioneers put 4 players in double figures led by reserve Ella Paleea-Cook (Melbourne, Australia) with 18 points (5-10 FG, 4-7 3's, 4-6 FT) and a team high 8 rebounds. Molly Cockburn (Christchurch, New Zealand) had a big night scoring 15 points (5-10 FG, 1-2 3's 4-6 FT) and hauling in 5 rebounds to go along with 4 steals. Gabby Flute Player (Flandreau, SD) scored 14 points (4-8 FG, 0-1 3's, 6-10 FT) and Aylin Ramirez (Phoenix, AZ) chipped in iwth 12 points (2-4 FG, 8-10 FT). Catalina de Giorgi (Buenos Aires, Argentina) also grabbed 8 rebounds and Kelbee Denham (Malta, MT) dished out 6 assists. 

The T-Birds scoring punch was delivered by Tyleigh Brady (New Town, ND) with 26 points (7-12 FG, 3-7 3's, 9-11 FT). Sandie Friday (Ethete, WY) scored 15 points (7-11 FG, 1-2 FT) and grabbed 6 rebounds while Amaya Ramsey hit for 14 points (5-17 FG, 0-3 3's, 4-9 FT). 

Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers shot 21-52 (40%) from the field and the T-Birds were 22-52 (42%).
• The Pioneers took advantage at the 3-point line hitting 7-20 compared to only 4-16 for UTTC. 
• The free throw line told a story as MCC was 22-36 (61%) and UTTC hit 17-30 (57%).
• MCC turned the ball over 17 times and the T-Birds only 13. 
• The Pioneers controlled the boards with a 42-32 advantage. 15 of those rebounds for MCC were offensive. 

The Pioneers are now 3-13 in MonDak Conference play and 5-10 overall. UTTC fell to 1-13 in league play and 6-14 overall. MCC will head to Williston State on Sunday afternoon for a 12:00 PM MST tip off.