November 6, 2021
Buccaneers Hold Off Williston in Close Game
(pictured: Joe Mpoyo)
The Buccaneers shook off an early double-digit deficit and earned a hard fought victory over the Williston State Tetons in the semifinal game of the Buster Gillis Tip-Off Classic in New Town, ND on Saturday night. Williston State started off strong against the Bucs, building an 18-7 lead behind the play of Ezekiel Spann and Adi Adebo. But the Bucs wouldn't go away as Riley Spoonhunter poured in 13 of his 16 points in the first half and Kennedy Brown scored 8 points to pull the Buccaneers within 1, 36-37, at the half.
The Tetons again started off the 2nd half with a big run, with timely 3's from Ty Edwards and Galdo Tutu, but the Bucs wouldn't go away. "I thought our pressure was key in wearing down Williston in the second half," Coach Joe Peterson commented. The Buccaneer press forced 11 2nd half turnovers (18 for the game) which led to transition baskets and allowed the momentum to swing in Dawson's favor. The Bucs built their lead behind freshman Joe Mpoyo's strong shooting night, in which he shot 5/8 from behind the 3PT line, with 3 of those coming in the 2nd half.
Dawson had a 5 point lead in the last minute thanks to a timely Michael Jok tip on an offensive rebound to Mpoyo but after a Wiliston 3 and a Jalen Tot free throw the lead was only down to 3 with 7 seconds left. Williston took the last shot to tie, but it rimmed out giving the Buccaneers the victory. The Bucs were led in scoring by Mpoyo with 19 and Spoonhunter with 16. Kennedy Brown also contributed 14 points and 2 blocks and Jalen Tot finished with 9 points and 6 assists in the win. The Buccaneers will play on Sunday against NDSCS in the championship game of the Buster Gillis Tip-Off Classic, game time set for 4:45 CST (3:45 MST).
