Big Second Half Lifts UTTC Women’s Basketball Past Dakota College at Bottineau, 76-75
Freshman forwards, Alionna Lawrence and Sunni Belgarde, combined for 16 points in the fourth quarter to help Thunderbirds overcome an 18-point deficit against Dakota College, Wednesday evening.
In a Region XIII showdown between two long-time rivals, the United Tribes Technical College Thunderbirds would overcome an 18-point deficit to defeat Dakota College at Bottineau Ladyjacks, in Bottineau, ND, Wednsday evening.
Alionna Lawrence led the way for the Thunderbirds (11-15, 9-11 Mon-Dak) with her twelfth double-digit game of the season with a team-high 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting. The Fort Totten, ND native also hauled in seven rebounds with three steals and two blocks. Tyleigh Brady contributed 16 points with eight rebounds and six assists, while freshman forward, Sunni Belgarde, had a huge night with 12 points, inluding a huge three that would, ultimately, give the Thunderbirds the first lead of the night, in the fourth. Myona Dauphinais rounded out the group distributing a season-high 8 assists with 11 points.
As a team, UTTC shot 38.9 percent (28-72) from the field and 31.4 percent (11-35) from three. UTTC also grabbed 36 rebounds with nine different players contributing at least one.
After committing 10 first half turnovers and trailing by 14 points at the break, 41-27, UTTC responded in the third quarter shooting a game-best 50.0 percent from the field, including four triples. The Thunderbirds were able to construct a 12-0 run to open up a two-point edge, 41-39, after Tyleigh Brady drained a floater at the 5:47 mark.
UTTC carried the energy into the fourth frame with six straight points to capture the lead, for the first time in the contest, 59-58, after Belgarde connected on a triple with 7:17 remaining. The Thunderbirds went on to hold off the Ladyjacks (14-15, 8-12 Mon-Dak) the rest of the way to earn the 76-75 win.
UTTC will be back in action hosting North Dakota State College of Science (Wahpeton, ND) on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. This game will designate a celebration for the sophomore class of 2023-2024.