Thunderbirds Run Past Warriors Fall to 8th ranked Blue Knights in Overtime

In their first home stand of the season the United Tribes Thunderbirds raced out to a big lead against the Warriors of Little Priest and held on to win 118-106.  Cecelio Montgomery had a big night leading the way with 37 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.  The Thunderbirds had 5 players reach double figures.  Nick Jiles had 23 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 4 assists.  Tyree Florence-Patton and Herb Augustin each had 18 and Tate Bear rounded out the scoring with 13.

On Saturday afternoon the 8th ranked team in the nation the Blue Knights from Dakota County Technical College came to town with their undefeated record and 4 straight trips to the National Tournament.  Tribes controlled the game early and took an 11 point lead at halftime.  In the second half the Thunderbirds would lead by as many as 20 points, but the Blue Knights made a furocious comeback and out scored Tribes by 11 in the second half to send the game to overtime at 99 a piece.  In the overtime the Blue Knights outscored the Thunderbirds 24-19 to complete the come from behind victory 123-118.

Montgomery again led the team in scoring with 26 points.  Jiles had another big night with 23 points, 11 rebuounds, and 6 assists.  Bear also had 23 points and 8 rebounds.  Augustin contributed 20 poins and 7 rebounds.  Florence-Patton finished with 12.  

The Thunderbirds hit the road again this weekend as they take on Rocky Mountain College on Friday night and Gillette College on Saturday in Gillette, WY.