Thunderbird Men Fall to Dakota County Technical College in Region XIII Championship
Blue Knights hold on to defeat United Tribes 86-81
Dakota County Technical college defeated United Tribes 86-81 in the championship game of the Region XIII Playoffs. The Blue Knights were able to build a comfortable 47-36 lead going into the locker room at halftime. However about mid way throught the second half the Thunderbirds found their groove and chipped away at the lead. With just under 30 seconds to go a steal and basket by Amaury Matthews cut the lead to 81-79. Tribes was forced to foul and the Blue Knights made all of their free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
Five Thunderbirds reached double figures in scoring. Amaury Matthews and Xavier Norris each had 20 points and Matthews also had 7 assists in the loss. Adrian Farmer had 14 points, Ernest Grant and Antwan Antonio both had 12. Tommy Williams finished with a game high 8 rebounds for the Thunderbirds.
United Tribes was seeking its first trip to Nationals since 2002. The Thunderbirds had a winning season and finished with an overall record of 16-14.
Amaury Matthews and Xavier Norris were both named to the Mon-Dak All Conference Team and also to the All Region Team.