Drop last regular season game in Iowa – focus shifts to Gogebic Playoff.
Rosemount, Minn. - The Dakota County Technical College Mens Basketball team finished off its regular season with an impressive record of 22-7 record but only after dropping a game at Iowa Lakes Community College 71-54 on Saturday. Ben Davis, DCTC Head Coach said "today really didn't go well, yet I am happy the way the team played for the last few months. We have to shake this game off and prepare for our playoff Wednesday against regional rival Gogebic Community College".
In the Saturday slate, Iowa Lakes was led by both Blake Wilder and Trey Burkhall who each had 19 points. Lucas Smith of the Lakers recorded a double-double with 14 points 14 rebounds. Sam Burt (Sophomore Apple Valley) continued leading DCTC, as he has for the last three months by scoring 14 points. DCTC was held to 38.9% in shooting and as a result was held to its lowest scoring effort since a 72-52 November loss to Iowa Central. By contrast, DCTC is shooting near 48% on the year.
The Knights took Sunday off and will practice Monday and Tuesday on the game court of the Salvation Army Gymnasium in St, Paul. DCTC will work through a number of injuries that have hampered the roster late in the season. The team won't be deterred and Davis is excited for the playoff: "our sophomores and coaching staff have worked for two years to get to this point. We have put in the work and have a real chance to get to the regional championship".
DCTC beat Gogebic twice this season earning them the home court advantage. DCTC won 81-65 in the game played in St Paul, as well as the return date a few weeks ago at Ironwood Michigan. The second game was a bit closer with DCTC winning 67-64.
If the Blue Knights win Wednesday, they will advance to the NJCAA Regional Championship. The Championship would be played Sunday at 1pm at the Salvation Army and against the winner of Dakota College of Bottineau ND and United Tribes College. DCTC has earned home court advantage for all three rounds of the NJCAA playoffs. If DCTC can claim its first regional championship in Basketball, they would then host a district play-in game to go to the NJCAA National Tournament. The district play-in game is scheduled for March 8th and would be against the regional champions from Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.
