United Tribes Closes Out Miles in Tight Contest
United Tribes Closes Out Miles in Tight Contest, 101-91
In a thrilling finish, the United Tribes men's basketball team secured a hard-fought 101-91 victory over the Miles Pioneers, rallying in the final minutes to seal the win. Both teams battled intensely down the stretch, but the Thunderbirds found the offensive rhythm their opponents couldn't match, finishing with a decisive 18-9 run.
Trailing 83-82 with just 6:20 remaining, United Tribes sparked a comeback. Jacolby Pearson hit a go-ahead three-pointer to start the run, and while Miles fought to keep pace, they were unable to reclaim the lead.
The Pioneers briefly tied the game at 85 after Donnie Haney made one of two free throws with 4:36 to play. However, Houston Davis responded with a pair of free throws, putting United Tribes back in front, 87-85.
Drew Bordeaux then made a key play, driving the lane for a runner that extended the Tribes lead to four. Bordeaux would later sink two more free throws, pushing United Tribes ahead by six with less than three minutes left.
Miles showed resilience, with Isaiah Beauchamp hitting a midrange jumper to pull the Pioneers back within two. But Davis answered with an impressive and-one play, taking it strong to the basket and converting the free throw after a timeout to extend the lead back to five.
Clinging to a 96-91 lead with under a minute to play, it was Bordeaux again who delivered the dagger, hitting a three-pointer as the shot clock expired. The shot gave United Tribes an eight-point lead with 41 seconds remaining, and the Thunderbirds closed out the game with a 7-2 run, securing their second conference victory of the season and seventh overall.
Davis led the charge for United Tribes, finishing with 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Bordeaux added 16 points, while Mark Fassett contributed 17 points and 7 assists. Dalen Leftbear finished with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. Pearson aslo reached double figures with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Pioneers were paced by a trio of standout performances. Koak Kok led the way with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a block, while Jace Hill also scored 23 points, adding seven rebounds, seven assists, and a steal. Mack Page rounded out the strong showing for Miles with 22 points, four rebounds, and five assists.
Up Next
United Tribes hits the road next weekend for a pair of doubleheaders. The Thunderbirds will face Dakota College-Bottineau on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m., followed by a matchup with Williston State at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20.
