Cats Clinch Mon-Dak Crown

The NDSCS men's basketball program clinched sole possession of the 2017-18 Mon-Dak Conference title by picking up two wins this week over Lake Region State and Williston State.

On Monday night, the Wildcats dispatched Lake Region 86-61 on the back of great ball movement and some hot shooting from beyond the arc. NDSCS assisted on 23 of their 32 made baskets and connected on 17 three balls on the night, shooting 58.6% from distance.

Oman Oman (Fr.) led the Cats in scoring with 25 points on 75% shooting. Sam Baker (Fr.) knocked down five of his eight three point attempts en route to 23 points and Johnnie Turner III (So.) sank a career high four triples to go along with seven rebounds and five assists.

Melvin Nebwern Jr. (So.) contributed a solid line of 12 points, nine rebounds, and five assists for NDSCS. He also had two blocked shots.

With the win, NDSCS improved to 22-5 and 9-1 in conference play.

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Last night the Wildcats defeated Williston State on the road 78-69, to clinch their second straight Mon-Dak Conference title.

A dominant effort on the boards and some poised play down the stretch propelled NDSCS to the victory. The Cats outrebounded the Tetons 40-25 and got back 16 of their own misses. Some key baskets within the final two minutes helped them salt the game away, with the exclamation point coming on a Johnnie Turner flush with 30 seconds remaining.

Melvin Newbern led the way for NDSCS offensively as he scored 24 points and also contributed a team high 10 rebounds. Turner, Sam Baker, and Stevin Lipp (Fr.) also scored in double figures for the Wildcats adding 13, 17, and 12 points, respectively.

The win moves the Wildcats to 23-5 overall and 10-1 in the Mon-Dak. They will travel to Bottineau, ND Monday, the 19th for their final conference matchup against Dakota College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.