Thunderbirds Finish 2-1 at Mon Dak Conference Tip Off

The United Tribes Thunderbirds men's basketball team capped a successful weekend of hoops by defeating cross town rival Bismarck State College 92-74 in the Buster Gilliss Mon Dak Conference Tip Off in Newtown, ND over the weekend.  United Tribes shared the basketball and finished a with season high 28 assists and nearly shot 50% from the field for the second game in a row.  

Jordan Lebeau came off the bench firing and let the Thunderbirds with 21 points while going 5-5 from the three point line.  Famous Lefthand finished with 20 points and a game high 9 rebounds.  Luke Wells Jr. had a nice all around game with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.  Steven Fisher Jr. also brought energy off the bench and finished with 10 points and 4 assists.  

In the tournaments opening game United Tribes gave defending league champions and conference favorite Dawson Community College all they could handle.  Trailing 44-33 going into the break Tribes went on a 27-13 run to start the second half and took a 60-57 lead on a Dakari Middleton three pointer from the wing with under 10 minutes to play.  Dawson battled back and was leading 80-76 with 35 seconds remaining when a Middleton deflection bounced off the official and into a Dawson's players hands.  The Bucs went on to seal the 84-76 win at the free throw line.  

Middleton led the way with 16 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds.  Wells had a double double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.  Lefthand finished with 12 points and 9 rebounds.

On Saturday morning the Thunderbirds squared off with Miles Community College.  Tribes raced out of the gates to a 16-0 lead and never looked back cruising to a 97-69 victory.  The Thunderbirds had 27 assists, made 13 three pointers, and shot 50% from the field in the game.

Freshman Tahj Two Bulls led the balanced attack with 19 points and 8 rebounds.  Lefthand contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.  Fisher sank 3 three pointers on his way to 13 points and 4 assists.  Tristin Davis continued his steady play off the bench with 12 points and 6 rebounds.  

The Thunderbirds next face Dakota College Bottineau at home in another Mon Dak Conference game this Saturday the 13th in a double header with the women.  Women tip at 2pm and men at 4pm on the campus of United Tribes.