Thunderbirds Defeat Williston State College in Conference Home Opener

United Tribes used a balance scoring attack and were able to hold the Tetons of Williston State College well below thier season average of 85 points per game to win 78-69.  The game started slow, but the Thunderbirds were able to build a 32-23 lead with 3:29 to go in the first half.  The Tetons responded with a 9-0 run to close the half and knot the game at 32 a piece at halftime.  In the second half the teams traded baskets early.  Williston State's Nathaniel Powell tied the game at 57 with a rebound put back with 7:02 to play.  Untied Tribes would respond with a 12-2 run with Nick Jiles hitting a three pointer at the 2:32 mark to make the lead 69-59.  The Thunderbirds made 7-8 free throws down the stretch to ice the game.

Tribes got a huge spark off the bench from Herb Augustin.  Augustin went 4/5 from the three point line in the first half and finished the game with 22 points and 6 rebounds.  Tate Bear had another big game for the Thunderbirds with 19 points and 6 rebounds.  Cecelio Montgomery finished 8-14 from the field and finished with 17 points.   Jiles also reached double figures with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and a game high 4 assists.

The Thunderbirds resume league play on the road at Dakota College Bottineau on Thursday January 16th.