BILLINGS, Mont. – In their grittiest performance of the season the Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets (4-0) outlasted the University of Mary Marauders (0-2) on Thursday night by a final score of 75-73. Mary held the lead for much of the second half but a Zharon Richmond three with 1:23 left gave the 'Jackets a 72-70 lead that MSUB would hold on to.
 
Tyler Green's shooting buoyed the 'Jackets for much of the game as the sophomore guard led the way with 24 points. Green was lethal from deep hitting 7 of 11 three point attempts while dishing six assist in the win.
 
Kendall Denham had 13 points and four assists but his most crucial contribution came after taking a hard foul that sent him into the stanchion with 2:34 left in the game with the 'Jackets down one. Denham recovered from the hit and sunk his two free throws to give MSUB a 69-68 lead.
 
Maybe Green's biggest play of the night came with just 17 seconds left in the game when Mary had a 2-on-1 fast break with the 'Jacket's smallest defender under the hoop. Green held his ground in the post while the Marauder's Tom Kubank charged into him resulting in a crucial turnover with the Yellowjackets up by two.
 
Kamal Tall posted a career-high 11 rebounds in the game and added six points on five shots. Daniel Shedden made a big bucket down the stretch as he cut an eight-point deficit to five with a corner three with five-minutes remaining in the game. Shedden finished with seven points and five rebounds.
 
The Yellowjackets trailed by four at the half with Green leading MSUB with 12 points after going 4-for-5 from three in the opening period. Richmond had six rebounds in the first half and recorded five points including a huge dunk over Mary's Connor Hellebust.


 
It was the first time this season that MSUB recorded a lower shooting percentage than their opponent as Mary shot 44.6 percent from the field compared to the 'Jacket's 43.1 percent. MSUB earned a plus-six rebound differential in the game including 10 offensive boards.
 
Up next the Yellowjackets will host Chadron State College (1-2) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. MSUB is 8-5 all-time against the Eagles and have won the past two meetings including an 89-69 win last year.
 
You can follow all MSUB home games and all GNAC road contests via the MSUB Stretch Internet Portal.