Bucs Stay Hot against Bismarck State

February 2, 2024

Feb 1, 2024

The Dawson Bucs won their 23rd straight home game on Thursday night with their 84-71 victory over the Bismarck State Mystics. Dawson has won 58 of their last 59 home games during the past five years. Thursday's win boosts Dawson's overall record this year to 19-4 and their conference mark to 12-2.

"Tonight we looked like the real Dawson Bucs," an excited Coach Joe Peterson shared. "We played with more energy and had an edge on defense from the start. Our big guys were great on both ends, but everyone contributed and we did it together. I hope the fans enjoyed because I know we really enjoyed it."

The Bucs didn't waste any time, jumping out to a 11-0 lead in the first two minutes of the game. Justin Asi couldn't be stopped, getting things started with a 3-pointer, followed by two lay-ups. Fellow big man Roniel Oguekwe continued the run with a put-back on an offensive rebound and then a dunk to force the visitors to call a timeout to try and settle the raucous crowd. After the timeout Bismarck responded with a 3-pointer, but then Asi went back to work with another lay-up and a jump shot. Dawson maintained that double digit lead throughout the opening half and eventually built it up to 18 points at 44-26 on a lay-up by the man of the night, Justin Asi. Kur Maler closed out the half with a tip-in at the buzzer to give Dawson a 48-32 advantage at the break. Dawson shot 52% from the field and 43% from the 3-point line, but didn't get any free throws in the first half. Defensively, they forced 13 turnovers and held BSC to 42% shooting.

Dawson didn't shoot the ball as well in the second half, but it didn't matter as they kept a double digit lead throughout and sailed to the easy win. The closest Bismarck ever got was an eleven point deficit. All twelve Buccaneers who suited out for the game played at least six minutes and ten of them scored. Martin Ore scored his first college points with two free throws and followed that up with a 3-pointer from the corner.

Justin Asi finished with a game high 22 points on 10-15 shooting from the field and 2-3 from the 3-point line. He also grabbed 7 rebounds. Roniel Oguekwe had a huge game with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks. Kur Maler contributed 11 points and 5 rebounds and Jordan Jasper rounded out the double digit scorers with 10 points, 7 steals and 5 assists. Hussein Elmaraghy led the visitors with 14 points and 8 rebounds.

Dawson will return to action at home on Sunday at 4:00 against United Tribes Technical College. Dawson won the first matchup 118-109 and then lost the second matchup 80-79. Right before the men's game on Sunday, DCC will introduce the new Athletics Hall of Fame Class.