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Pioneers Nearly Knock Off Williston State

Pioneers Nearly Knock Off Williston State
Posted: Jan 13, 2026

Pioneers 72... Williston State 76

The MCC Pioneer women's basketball team stood toe to toe with the top team in the MonDak Conference on Monday night in Williston, ND. The back and forth affair saw the Pioneers lead after the 1st and 3rd quarters but Williston led at halftime and then used a 4-4 effort at the free throw line in the final 5 seconds to account for the 76-72 win. 

Jai Baumann (Freshman - Big Sandy, MT) hit a driving scoop layup with 6.4 seconds remaining in the game to tie the score 72-72. Williston State called timeout and advanced the ball to half court. The ensuing inbounds pass to the center circle was caught by Teton Sophie Barker and she was fouled by Laynee Elness (Freshman - Winifred, MT). Barker hit both free throws for a 2-point lead. MCC called timeout and advanced the ball to halfcourt. MCC threw a lob pass under the basket to Pien Draisma (Sophomore - Katwijk, Netherlands) who appeared to be fouled on the play but no whistle came giving the ball back to the Tetons. The Pioneers fouled immediately and Taylah Murtagh hit 2 more free throw for the final result. 

Three Pioneer starters fouled out of the game as the Pioneers were whistled for 26 fouls compared to just 15 for the Tetons. 

The Pioneers were led by Matilda Sanz (Freshman - Madrid, Spain) with 21 points (9-19 FG, 2-6 3's, 1-2 FT) before fouling out with about 3 minutes to play. Laynee Elness had a double double with 15 points (6-15 FG, 1-5 3's, 2-3 FT) to go along with 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Ebele Mbagwu (Freshman - Bakersfield, CA), coming off a 28-point performance against Dawson was limited to just 6 points after fouling out in just 15 minutes. Draisma had 7 rebounds off the bench for the Pioneers. 

Inside the Box Score

  • The Pioneers shot 30-74 (41%) from the field and 8-26 (31%) from the 3-point line. MCC was just 4-8 from the free throw line. 
  • The Tetons shot 27-72 (38%) from the field and 2-13 (15%) from the 3-point line. WSC was 20-33 from the free throw line. 
  • Williston State outrebounded the Pioneers 49-37. WSC had 17 offensive boards compared to 7 for Miles. 
  • MCC had 22 turnovers and Williston had 18.
  • Williston had 16 2nd chance points and the Pioneers had just 6. 
  • There were 10 ties and 5 lead changes in the game. The Pioneers led by 8 in the 1st quarter and the Tetons led by 11 midway thru the 3rd quarter. 

The Pioneers are now 1-1 in MonDak Conference play and 9-11 overall. Next up for MCC is a home game on Sunday, January 18 as they host Lake Region State College at 1:00 PM MST.