Dakota County Technical College beats United Tribes on banked-in three at the buzzer
Dave Selvig, Bismarck Tribune
Dave Selvig, Bismarck Tribune
It was heartbreak at the horn for the United Tribes men's basketball team on Sunday.
With the Thunderbirds leading 93-91, following a furious rally in the last 30 seconds, Dakota County Technical College's Janeir Harris banked in a three-pointer from the top of the key at the buzzer, giving the Blue Knights a 94-93 win.
DCTC had to go the length of the court in 2 seconds. Harris got the ball near halfcourt, took two dribbles and hoisted what proved to be the game-winner and a season-extender.
"I'm in shock," said Harris, a 6-foot-5 sophomore from Burnsville, Minn. "No, I didn't think it was going in at all. I thought it was off. That's why I'm still in shock."
The Thunderbirds were that close.
Century High product Jordan Lebeau, who earlier hit a key three-pointer in the comeback, came up with a big blocked shot in the paint on the Blue Knights' next possession. Tristin Davis got the rebound and was fouled. Davis made the first free throw, but the second was off.
DCTC, which will host the North District Championship on Saturday in Rosemount, Minn., got the rebound and called timeout. Plan A did not work for Harris, who improvised.
"It's been that way all season, really, with a lot of guys making contributions," Conway said. "I thought it was a great team effort overall, the ball just didn't bounce our way on that last possession."
"This crew's been resilient all year. They don't lay down and die for anybody," the head coach said. "Those last 5 minutes, they just kept fighting and found a way to claw back into it."
Lefthand and Middleton, who were named to the All-Region XIII team, along with everybody else on the roster, could return next season. The Thunderbirds did not dress a sophomore on Sunday.
"These guys got a lot of basketball still in front of them," Conway said. "Hopefully they have a good offseason, then come back and do it against next season."