United Tribes continues improved play in overtime loss to 2nd ranked North Dakota State College of Science
Thunderbirds will face Gogebic College April 2nd in the first round of the Region XIII Tournament in Escanaba, MI
March 26, 2021
United Tribes nearly pulled off the upset on Thursday night losing a wild back and forth contest in overtime to the Wildcats of North Dakota State College of Science 107-99. The Thunderbirds started fast outscoring the Wildcats 28-18 before the pace slowed and Science closed the gap to 37-34 heading into the locker room at the break.
In the second half the Wildcats jumped out to a 58-51 lead with 12 minutes to go. Tribes chipped away and eventually regained the lead 69-68 on a Tate Bear three pointer with 8 minutes to play. The Thunderbirds methodically built their lead to 81-73 at the 4 minute mark. The Wildcats capitalized on 7 missed free throws in the last four minutes by United Tribes and after a Khari Broadway steal and free throw the score was tied at 88 with 14 seconds remaining in the game. On the last play in regulation Luke Wells Jr. shot bounced around the rim but would not go down and the game headed to overtime.
In overtime the Wildcats outscored United Tribes 19-11 to pull off the hard fought victory. The back and forth contest featured 14 lead changes. The seven missed free throws in the last four minutes of regulation proved costly for Tribes. For the game North Dakota State College of Science shot 29-39 from the free throw line while the Thunderbirds went 15-23.
Bear continued to have a hot hand shooting 11-16 from the field and 4-6 from the three point finishing with a game and career high 31 points. Tyree Whitcomb had another double double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Luke Wells Jr. stuffed the stat sheet again with 12 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds.
United Tribes will travel to Esconaba, MI for the Region XIII Tournament where they will match up with Gogebic College on Friday April 2nd at 7pm Eastern Standard Time.