Dawson Improves to 10-0 with Win over Bismarck

In their final game of the first round of conference play, Dawson picked up a 97-89 win over the visiting Bismarck State Mystics. The Bucs improve to 10-0 overall and, more importantly, 7-0 in conference. The 10-0 start is the best start in Coach Joe Peterson's nine year stint as the coach of the Buccaneers. Their previous best start was 9-0 in the magical 2020-2021 year in which they reached the National Tournament for the first time in program history. Bismarck State was the team that ended that streak. This time around, Dawson made sure history didn't repeat itself.

"I'm proud of this group for the work they've put in and how they have stayed together throughout this young season," explained Peterson. "Tonight Bismarck really played well. They handled the ball well and had a few guys shoot much better than they have all year. When you are on top, you get everybody's best effort and best shot; and I love that. We have to keep our edge and our hunger to compete every single day."

Roniel Oguekwe scored on an offensive rebound on Dawson's first possession, but Bismarck answered with a 3-pointer from Garrett Bader and a dunk from Isaiah Davis. Dawson scored the next seven points on two free throws from Seth Amunrud, a 3-pointer from Ty Buckmon and a dunk by Oguekwe. After Bismarck pulled within one point at 9-8, the Bucs went on a 12-3 run to take a commanding lead 21-11. The Mystics came storming back with nine straight points. Dawson responded with another big run, 12-2 this time. Bismarck wouldn't go away though. They came back and eventually took the lead at 42-41 on two free throws from Anthony Bertucci, but Dawson went into halftime with a 50-45 advantage. The Bucs forced 14 turnovers in the first half, but allowed the visitors to shoot 62% from the field and 54% from the 3-point line. Isaiah Davis led the way for the Mystics with 18 first half points.

Dawson stayed in control throughout the second half and built their largest lead at 93-79 with a little over a minute remaining. Bismarck tried to mount a comeback in the end by hitting a few 3-pointers, but Dawson made four free thows in the final minute to get the eight point win. The Bucs only shot 43% for the game, but snagged 22 offensive rebounds and scored 27 second chance points. They also scored 33 points off of 18 forced turnovers and outscored BSC in the paint 52-36.

Justin Asi came off the bench to score 26 points and grab 13 rebounds (9 offensive). Dawson's bench finished with 49 points. Ty Buckmon also scored 26 points and dished out 4 assists and had 5 rebounds. Seth Amunrud finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Isaiah Davis led Bismarck with 24 points. Kennez Bozeman added 21 points.

Sunday's game was the last home game for the Bucs until January. They will travel to Gillette, Wyoming this weekend for games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday against Gillette College, Western Nebraska and Casper College.