THUNDERBIRDS FALL IN CONFERENCE OPENER

United Tribes and Dawson Community College are getting to know each other this year. The schools squared off in the Mon Dak Conference Tournament back in November. In that game UTTC jumped out to a commanding 29-16 lead and it was Dawson who had to climb back into a game that the Thunderbirds eventually won in overtime to claim third place.  This time around in Bismarck it was different as Dawson got out of the gates quick and built a 16-6 lead behind some hot shooting from behind the arc.  The Thunderbirds regrouped and and took a 28-19 lead, but would only score 7 more points the rest of the half and Dawson held a 10 point lead heading to the lockerrooom. UTTC went on a late run in the second half closing the margin to 6 points with five minutes remaining in the game and the Thunderbirds got three more wide open looks at the three, but they didn't fall and Dawson banked in a long two and contested three from straight away with the shot clock running out to essentially seal the game and escape with 87-78 win on the Thunderbirds home court.