Williston State College Men’s Basketball Falls in a Heartbreaker
The Williston State College men's basketball team dropped a heartbreaking 92-89 road decision to Dawson Community College despite a historic performance from Josiah McDonald.
McDonald turned in one of the most electrifying individual efforts of the season, erupting for 43 points on 14-of-29 shooting, including 8-of-18 from beyond the arc and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. He added 12 rebounds for a double-double, along with 10 steals and three blocks in a sensational all-around performance that nearly carried the Tetons to victory.
Williston State shot 43.2 percent from the field and knocked down 12 three-pointers while converting 92.9 percent (13-of-14) from the charity stripe. The Tetons also forced 18 Dawson turnovers and finished with 15 steals defensively.
Andrew Sauer provided a strong secondary scoring option with 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, while Eden Hobbs added 20 points and four rebounds in 40 minutes of action. Carson Haerer dished out a team-high eight assists to go along with four rebounds.
The game remained tight throughout, with neither side able to create significant separation. Dawson capitalized at key moments down the stretch, shooting 50.9 percent from the floor and 50 percent from three-point range. Delray Lilley paced Dawson with 19 points, including a perfect 5-of-5 from deep, while Brandon Hymes added 23 points.
Dawson's ability to get to the free-throw line proved pivotal, as the Buccaneers attempted 40 free throws compared to just 14 for the Tetons.
Williston State finished with a 35-40 rebounding deficit but battled until the final possession in a game that came down to the wire.
The Tetons will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup, aiming to turn the momentum back in their favor after a tough road loss.
