Mystics Use Second Half Rally to Defeat Thunderbirds

The Bismarck State College Mystics used a huge second-half run that led to a 120-111 win over United Tribes in a Mon-Dak Conference game at the BSC Armory.  Bismarck State snapped a seven-game losing streak and avenged a 104-102 loss to the Thunderbirds last month at United Tribes.  The game seemed to be going in favor of United Tribes when Sam Pendleton connected on a pair of free throws to push the Tribes lead to 18.  Pendleton finished with 23 points and 15 assists before fouling out with four minutes to play.  With United Tribes battling foul trouble at key positions the Mystics clawed their way back into the game and took their first lead of the game at 111-108 on a Brody Nieuwsma 3-pointer with 2 minutes remaining.  The Mystics held on down the stretch to win 120-111.  Nieuwsma finished with a game high 30 points and 13 rebounds.

Shayden Keplin led four players in double digits for United Tribes with 27.  Rob McClain posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds and Tre Williams added 16.

United Tribes returns home on Sunday to face off with Lake Region State College.  The women tip off at 1pm followed by the men at 3pm.