Jacks Improve to 6-4 in Mon-Dak Play

We traveled to Glendive, MT on Wednesday evening to face off with Mon-Dak 2nd place team, the Bucs of Dawson Community College. Before our game they had not lost at home in conference play. That streak ended on Wednesday evening as we came home with a 104-92 win and a tie for 3rd place (with Williston's loss at NDSCS).

The first half was a back and forth effort, that in alot of ways mirrored the game here earlier in the year. We scored first and did get an eight point lead in the first half. However the Buc's fought back as they often do and were able to not only tie it up but also take a lead. Neither team shot the ball well in the first half, with DCC hitting on only 39% while we hit only 44%. There were 38 free-throws shot, with the teams combining for only 58% rate. The teams also combined to go 5-25 from three. However, with all this the Jacks did lead 51-46 at the break.

In the second half it was again like the first game as we came out strong and were able to push the lead to double digits by the midway point of the second half and were able to push it to as much as 18 at 81-63. However, there was still fight left as Dawson clawed back to within single digits with under five minutes to go. There would be no getting closer than six however as we were able to come away with the 12 point win on the back of free-throws over the last minute.

For the game we shot 42% overall, 6-24 from three, and hit thirty two free-throws on a season high 49 attempts. It was also the first time all year we had less assists than turnovers. Leading us in scoring was Malik Jones with 23 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. Brian Egejuru added 22 points, including 10-10 from the line. JJ Morris scored 14, all in the second half. Leading us in rebounds was Neal Hodges with nine.

We are now 21-8 on the season and from what I have gathered here the 21 wins is now the 2nd most in school history. It trails only the 25 wins earned two years ago. We are next in action on Monday when we face off with our East rivals, the Wildcats of NDSCS. The game is slated for an 8 pm tip.