GLENDIVE, Mont. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a frantic final sequence, the Dawson Community College Buccaneers edged the Cochise College Apaches 84-83 in a men’s junior college basketball game Wednesday night.

The contest, a back-and-forth affair that saw 11 lead changes, was decided in the final three seconds. With Dawson leading 84-83, Cochise guard Emmanuel Jo Samuel launched a potential game-winning 3-pointer as time expired. The shot missed, sealing the one-point victory for the Buccaneers on their home floor.

The finish capped a game where neither team led by more than seven points. Dawson improved to 9-6 overall, while Cochise fell to 6-3.

The most important part of the game was the final minute of regulation, a stretch of clutch plays and missed opportunities that culminated in the dramatic finish. With Dawson leading 83-80 after a Kuich Gatwech 3-pointer, Cochise’s Davon Jones answered with a 3-pointer of his own to tie the game at 83 with 2:49 remaining.

After a Dawson turnover, Cochise had a chance to take the lead but missed a jump shot. On the ensuing possession, Dawson’s Zakai Owens was fouled and made one of two free throws with 3:01 left, putting the Buccaneers ahead 84-83. That single point proved to be the decisive margin.

Cochise had multiple chances to reclaim the lead in the final three minutes. Following Owens’ free throw, the Apaches missed a 3-pointer, secured an offensive rebound, but then turned the ball over. After forcing a Dawson miss, Cochise again had possession with under a minute to play but committed another turnover. Dawson then missed a 3-pointer, giving Cochise a final opportunity with 18 seconds left, which ended with Samuel’s contested miss at the buzzer.

The game featured strong individual performances. For Cochise, Naeem Colston recorded a double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds. Jhace Johnson led the Apaches in scoring with 20 points, and Teron Murray added 17 points and eight rebounds.

Dawson was led by a balanced attack. Brandon Hymes scored 12 points and dished four assists. Michael Murphy also scored 12 points off the bench, while Aries Lewis contributed 10 points and three blocked shots. Kuich Gatwech added eight points and seven rebounds.

The first half was a high-scoring shootout, with Dawson taking a 45-36 lead into halftime. The Buccaneers shot efficiently from the field in the opening quarter to build their advantage, while Cochise relied on a more distributed scoring effort to stay within striking distance.

The second half tightened considerably, with both defenses making adjustments. Cochise outscored Dawson 47-39 after the break but could not complete the comeback in the final possessions.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Dawson was projected with a 65.10 percent probability to win the game.

Cochise will look to rebound quickly, traveling to face Monroe College on Thursday. Dawson’s next game is at Miles Community College on Jan. 8.