MCC Pioneers Edge Out United Tribes in Nail-Biter

In a heart-stopping clash that went down to the wire, the Miles Community College Pioneers secured an 87-86 victory over the United Tribes Technical College Thunderbirds on Thursday night in Miles City, Montana. The game witnessed a series of dramatic turns, culminating in a 15-foot jump shot from sophomore Ethan Venema, sealing the deal for the Pioneers.

Trailing 84-81 with 37 seconds left on the clock, Venema, stepped up to the free-throw line after drawing a crucial foul and technical foul on the Thunderbirds. He calmly sank four consecutive free throws, swinging the momentum back in favor of the Pioneers with a one-point lead.

However, the see-saw battle continued unabated when United Tribes Houston Davis, a standout freshman, converted two clutch free throws of his own, propelling his team into an 86-85 lead with just 10 seconds remaining. Yet, it was Venema who would have the final say, as Ethan Bell's assist found him open at the foul line, where he delivered the game-winning jump shot with just 3.8 seconds left.  United Tribes last second attempt was blocked by Venema.  

Venema scored all of his 16 points in the second half and also blocked five shots and had four steals.

In the narrow defeat, the Thunderbirds were led by Houston. Davis erupted for an impressive 31 points and 6 rebounds.   Cayden Redfield contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and four steals.  Trae Hugs finished with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals.  Mark Fasset came off the bench and tossed in 10.

United Tribes returns home on Monday night to take on cross town foe Bismarck State College and 7:30 pm.