Williston State Men Outlast Big Bend in Coeur d’Alene Shootout, 82–74
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Behind a pair of dominant scoring performances from Josiah McDonald and Eden Hobbs, the Williston State Tetons powered to a hard-fought 82–74 win over Big Bend Community College on Saturday, closing out their Idaho trip with a statement victory.
The Tetons shot 48.3% from the field, leaned on their star duo when it mattered, and survived a late Big Bend push to secure the win.
McDonald Takes Over With 32-Point Explosion
Sophomore guard Josiah McDonald delivered one of the most complete games of the season, finishing with:
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32 points
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10 rebounds
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4 assists
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4 steals
McDonald attacked the rim all afternoon, going 11-of-21 from the field and adding seven free throws. His physicality around the basket set the tone early, and his late-game poise helped the Tetons close out the victory.
Hobbs Dials Up 28; Tetons' One-Two Punch Too Strong
Eden Hobbs was every bit the complement Williston needed, matching McDonald's intensity and finishing with 28 points and 7 rebounds on 11-of-21 shooting. Hobbs' midrange game kept Big Bend's defense off balance, and his pair of threes in the second half halted momentum whenever the Vikings threatened.
Haerer the Facilitator
While not scoring much, point guard Carson Haerer was the engine behind Williston State's ball movement:
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8 assists
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4 rebounds
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2 steals
His command of the offense and ability to break down Big Bend's defense helped generate clean looks for McDonald and Hobbs throughout the night.
Bench Provides Key Minutes
The Tetons didn't go deep into their bench, but the reserves contributed crucial plays:
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Bridger Johnson knocked down a three and added 3 points
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Charlie McKenna hit a corner triple and finished with 4 points
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Joaquin Powell added 2 points and provided physical defense inside
Williston's 36–30 rebounding advantage proved pivotal, especially on the offensive glass where they collected 11 boards to extend possessions.
Big Bend's Eaton Shines, but Turnovers Cost Vikings
Big Bend shot a strong 51.8% from the floor, but their 19 turnovers were too much to overcome.
Guard Sugar Eaton led the Vikings with a blistering 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, repeatedly slicing through the Tetons' defense.
Tainui Tairoa added 10 points, and Dominik Wojna contributed 8 points and 7 boards inside.
Though Big Bend made a push late—highlighted by key threes from Kayden Meadows—McDonald and Hobbs responded each time, preventing the Vikings from ever tying the game in the second half.
Tetons Close Out Idaho on a High Note
With McDonald and Hobbs combining for 60 points, Williston State showed the offensive firepower and grit needed to win tight, physical games away from home.
The Tetons return to North Dakota with momentum and confidence as they move deeper into their winter slate.
