Dawson Bucs Open the Basketball Season in Style

In the first round of the Mon-Dak Conference Tip-off Tournament in New Town, North Dakota, Dawson capped off the first day impressively. The Bucs outscored Lake Region by 34 points in the final 12 minutes of the first half to take a 30 point lead into half-time. It looked like it was going to be a close contest early on as the teams fought back and forth with nine lead changes and five ties before Dawson took control.

They did it with their defense, forcing 13 turnovers and shooting a sizzling 59% from the field, 56% from 3-point range and converting 13-16 free throws (81%) in the opening 20 minutes. Sophomore guard Ty Buckmon could not be stopped as he led the way with 17 first half points. He also led the defense with 3 steals. Seth Amunrud and Sam Massaquoi also snatched 3 steals each in the first half. The Bucs went into the break with a 58-28 advantage.  

The second half was evenly played as both teams used a lot of their bench. The lead stayed around 30 points for most of the half. Dawson again forced 13 turnovers in the half, but Lake Region boosted their shooting percentage from 36% to 58% from the 1st half to the 2nd half.

Dawson forced 26 turnovers in the game while shooting 54% from the field, 47% from 3 and 83% from the charity stripe. Four players scored in double figures led by Ty Buckmon's 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Justin Asi scored 15 points while Roniel Oguekwe scored 14 points on 6-7 shooting and grabbed 6 rebounds. Jordan Jasper added 11 points on 5-5 shooting from the field. 

Lake Region had two guys in double figures. Sophomore guards Noah Bonick and Harrison Raynor each scored 11 points.

Dawson will play in the semifinals Saturday night at 8:45 pm (CST) vs. Dakota College Bottineau. The Bucs have played in the semifinals all five years the Mon-Dak Tip-Off Tournament has been held. The livestream of the game can be seen here: https://youtube.com/live/kH7PJSN4fu4?feature=share.