Pioneers 48... Bismarck State 49

In a game where both teams struggled to find any offensive rythm, the Bismarck State Mystics held off a 2nd half surge by the MCC Pioneers for a 49-48 MonDak Conference win Sunday afternoon in Miles City. 

They Mystics built an 18 point 3rd quarter lead only to see the Pioneers tie the game at 43-43 late in the 4th quarter but the Pioneers could not get over the hump as the Mystics escaped with the win. Sydney Gustavsson played the full 40 minutes adn scored 17 points (5-19 FG,2-11 3's, 5-6 FT) to go along with a team high 5 rebounds to lead the way for the Mystics. Ashton Kinnebrew followed that up with 16 points (5-14 FG, 1-3 3's, 5-8 FT) and 5 rebounds as they were the only players in the game with double figure scoring. 

The Pioneers got 8 points apiece from Ella Paleaae-Cook (4-7 FG, 0-2 3's, 0-1 FT) and Jessica Tomkins (4-8 FG). Tomkins led the Pioneers with 12 rebounds while Angelina Dimasi had 9 boards. 

Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers hit only 1-13 from the 3-point line and 4-9 free throws. Bismarck State made only 3-21 from 3-point line as the teams combined for a paltry 11% from distance. The Mystics hit 13-18 from the free throw line which turned out to be the ultimate deciding factor in the game. 
• MCC had a 42-34 edge on the boards with 11 offensive rebounds. The Mystics also had 11 offensive rebounds. 
• The Pioneers had 16 1st half turnovers and 23 for the contest. Bismarck State had 16. 

The Pioneers are 2-5 in conference play and 3-5 overall. Bismarck State moved to 2-3 in conference and overall. The Pioneers will host Central Wyoming College on Friday night at 5:00 PM MST.