United Tribes Survives 108-106 in Overtime

United Tribes faced the Dakota College Bottnineau Lumberjacks for the second time this season and the matchup on Monday night mirrored the first one.  Back in November the Lumberjacks jumped out to an early 13 point double digit lead and the Thunderbirds came roaring back to win the contest 113-107.  This time around the Lumberjacks one upped that by going ahead 28-14 with 10:20 to play in the first half.  The Thunderbirds closed the half on a 30-15 run of their own to go into halftime with a 44-43 lead and survived in overtime 108-106.

Charles Schrader provided a huge spark off the bench for the Thunderbirds by scoring 14 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.  Schrader's second three pointer of the first half tied the game at 38-38 with 3:21 to play and his third gave Tribes the 44-43 lead going into halftime. 

The second half the lead switched hands multiple times. The Thunderbirds trailed 97-93 with 30 seconds to play and turned the ball over in the halfcourt, but DK Middleton was able to poke it away and Tahj Two Bulls found Famous Lefthand underneath the basket for an open layup. 

On the next possession the Thunderbirds went for the steal and almost forced a 10 second count, but the Jacks called timeout and Tribes quickly fouled on the next inbounds pass with 10 seconds remaining. 

Deron McDaniel went to the line and missed the first shot on the 1 and 1.  Lefthand grabbed the rebound and advanced the ball to Tristin Davis who raced it up the court and found Two Bulls for the layup to send it to overtime.  

In overtime United Tribes called timeout with the game tied and 14 seconds remaining.  After the timeout Sylvester Union drove to the basket off of a high ball screen and made a scoop shot with three seconds remaining to seal the win.  

Two Bulls led the Thunderbirds with 23 points and 7 rebounds.  Lefthand finished with 22 points on 9-15 shooting.  Middleton had a double double with 16 points and 10 assists.  Davis finished with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.  

The two teams combined to make 31 three pointers with the Jacks nailing 16 at a blistering 46% clip.  The Thunderbirds hit 15 threes and dished out 30 assists for the game.  United Tribes also out rebounded Dakota College Bottineau 50-41.

The win improves the Thunderbirds to 12-7 on the season.  They will travel to Williston State College on Thursday for a 7:30 pm contest.