WILLISTON, N.D. (Interstat) — Josiah McDonald scored 28 points to lead a dominant offensive performance as the Williston State Tetons defeated the Lake Region State Royals 102-74 in a men’s junior college basketball game Monday night.

The game was effectively decided in a blistering first half, as Williston State built an insurmountable lead by halftime. The Tetons erupted for 50 points in the opening quarter and added 52 more in the second, taking a 102-74 lead into the break in a game played under an experimental two-quarter format. The Royals, despite scoring 74 first-half points themselves, could not keep pace with Williston State’s efficient attack.

The most important stretch of the game came early in the first quarter, when Williston State established a decisive rhythm. After a slow start for both teams, the Tetons used a 13-3 run, capped by a Carson Haerer 3-pointer, to take a 16-9 lead. They never relinquished control, consistently answering any Lake Region State basket with scores of their own. The Tetons shot 51.3% from the field in the half, including 14 of 35 from 3-point range, while the Royals struggled from deep, making only 3 of 23 attempts.

McDonald, the reigning star from Williston State’s previous win, filled the stat sheet with 28 points, eight rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes. He was complemented by a double-double from Andrew Sauer, who had 10 points and 10 rebounds, and a well-rounded effort from Haerer, who posted 14 points and 12 assists.

For Lake Region State, Jeremiah Johnson and Remy Davis Warrington each scored 10 points. Akok Ajou grabbed 10 rebounds. The Royals’ offense, while producing points, was inefficient, managing an offensive rating of 86.5 points per 100 possessions compared to Williston State’s 116.2.

The victory improved Williston State’s season record to 5-8, while Lake Region State remained winless at 0-11. The result aligned with pregame analytics, as Interstat’s ELO system gave the Tetons a 75.9% probability to win.

The teams are scheduled to meet again on Feb. 19 in Devils Lake, N.D. Williston State’s next game is on the road against North Dakota State College of Science on Thursday. Lake Region State hosts the same North Dakota State College of Science team on Sunday.