Thunderbirds Defeat Miles City Behind Trio of Stellar Performances
Hardin, MT native Karissa DuShane recorded her 21st double figures game, Kierra Johnson was deadly on the glass and LaTosha Thunderhawk dominated inside to lead the Thunderbirds to victory, sealing a home playoff game Wednesday against Dakota College at Bottineau
Freshman LaTosha Thunderhawk scored a career high 24 points to help lead the Thunderbirds to victory over Miles City Sunday afternoon in the James Henry Gymnasium. The win secured home court advantage in the Region XIII showdown semi-final game against Dakota College at Bottineau.
UTTC improved to 10-17 overall and 4-10 in Mon-Dak Conference play, while Miles City dropped to 18-12 overall and 10-4 in conference play. UTTC returns to the James Henry Gymnasium for a Region XIII matchup Wednesday, Feb. 26 against Dakota College at Bottineau. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. and is part of a doubleheader with the UTTC men, who will tipoff at 7:30 p.m. against the Jacks.
Joining Thunderhawk in double figures are Kierra Johnson with 15 points and Karissa DuShane with 12 points and 6 steals. Johnson went over 680 points for her career in the game. Binta Salawu had a game-high 22 points for the Pioneers. Johnson finished with a game-high 10 rebounds and 7 assists, collecting her sixth double-double of the season.
UTTC was 31-of-69 (44.9%) from the floor and 6-of-23 (26.1%) from 3-point range. The Pioneers were 22-of-81 (27.2%) from the field and 6-of-28 (27.2%) from downtown. The Thunderbirds went 5-of-6 (83.3%) in the game from the free throw line. Miles City was 13-of-24 (54.2%) at the charity stripe. The Pioneers had a 15-6 advantage in 2nd chance points, while UTTC scored 20 points on 20 Miles City turnovers.