The Pronghorns (14-8, 5-4) were able to end their 4-game losing skid against the Dawson Community College Buccaneers (7-11, 2-8) Saturday night, as George Edwards scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the 81-71 victory.

Four other Pronghorns finished the game with double digits, but Head Coach Shawn Neary wanted to see his Pronghorns improve on defense. He saw that for about the first three quarters of the contest. Gillette College had nine steals and forced 13 turnovers on Dawson CC in the first half and had a 45-30 lead at halftime. The Pronghorns shot almost 10 percent better than the Bucs from the floor in the first half and made seven of eight free throws.


With about six minutes in the game, the Pronghorns’ defense started to sputter. Although they never let the Bucs take a lead, the Pronghorns did allow Dawson CC to steal the ball a few times and make easy baskets in that period. Coach Neary was visibly frustrated with his players, as he was seen multiple times with his hands interlocked behind his head or on his hips in disgust. Gillette College actually fined the game with 20 turnovers, two more the Dawson CC.


Thanks to Matt Strickland’s cool and calm prowess from the free throw line, he finished eight for eight from the charity stripe-the Bucs were not able to catch a break. With less than a minute to go and down by less than 10 points, the Bucs held off fouling the Pronghorns. Instead, Gillette had a couple defensive rebounds to keep Dawson CC at bay and come away with the victory.


Troy Jones led the Buccaneers with 16 points.


The Pronghorns go on the road Wednesday night to take on Miles Community College, a team that the Pronghorns defeated on Jan. 7, 94-90.

Scoring Summary

Pronghorns
George Edwards-20
Matt Strickland-12
Kalen Foreman-12
Reece Maxwell-10
James Hunter-10
Tony Lowry Jr.-7
Kash McKinney-4
Asante Smiter-4
Lucas Reller-2

Buccaneers
Troy Jones-16
Mario Bury-12
Rico Booth-11
Aaron Jackson-8
Zack Zilkoski-8
Andy Hopson-8
Joseph Hebert-4
Coulsen Wright-4