Bulldogs’ Defense Dismantles Deuel

The Bulldogs’ dominating defense was a major factor in their 50-42 Northeast Conference basketball victory against the Deuel Cardinals on Tuesday, January 26, at home. Milbank’s season record now stands at 5-6.

Milbank built up a solid lead in the opening quarter.  Sophomore Justus Osborn made it exciting when he threw up a buzzer beater from half court that found the bottom of the net to extend the Bulldogs’ lead at 12-7. The Dawgs remained ahead at 23-17 at the midway mark. Milbank stepped up at the start of the second half and widened the gap to 10 points. With the score at 35-25 heading into the final stanza, the Bulldogs held on for the win.

“I’m proud of the way our boys keep defending each game,” stated the Bulldogs’ head coach, Logan Diede. “We are becoming a tough team to score on. That is critical as we keep maturing this season and finding ourselves offensively. It was a great team win and a great start to the week for our young men.”

Carter Hartman led Milbank with 12 points, four rebounds, one assist, and two steals. Mason Riley followed with 10 points, seven boards, and three assists. Will Cummins tallied nine points and nine rebounds along with two steals. Bennett Schwenn chipped in eight points, four rebounds, and five assists. Ryker Trevett added six points, one rebound, one assist, and three steals. Osborn rounded out the scoring for the Bulldogs with five points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Stevie Ash contributed two rebounds and dished out one assist.  Kellen Hoeke pulled down one rebound.

Milbank made good on 39 percent of their shots from the field, hitting 16-of-41 attempts. They hauled down 37 rebounds, had 12 assists and 12 steals. They were charged with 19 turnovers.

Deuel hit 15-of-51 from the field for 29 percent shooting. The Cardinals chalked up 28 rebounds, nine assists, 17 steals, and 13 turnovers.