NAMPA, Ida. - The Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets lost to the Northwest Nazarene University Nighthawks 88-80 in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference showdown Saturday night. MSUB has now lost six of their last seven and their playoff chances are dwindling away.
 
NNU took the lead at 10-8 in the first four minutes of play and never trailed again. The Nighthawks would be up by as much as 19 with 2:18 remaining in the first half at 43-24.  
 
MSUB (9-13, 4-10 GNAC) would play a more composed and competitive send half attempting to fight their way back in it. The 'Jackets closed the gap to as little as seven points, but it was far too late as there was only 45 seconds left. MSUB just could not dig their way out of the hole they dug themselves in the first half.

"Our mindset just was not where we needed it to be early," said head coach Mick Durham. "We played better in the second half and we competed until the end against probably the most talented offensive team in the GNAC."

As a team, MSUB shot 44.8 percent from the floor and 25.9 percent (7-27) from three point range. MSUB had 14 turnovers and 14 assists as a team and finished with 32 rebounds.

NNU shot 49.3 percent from the floor and 30.0 percent (6-20) on three point shots. NNU also had 14 turnovers but more rebounds ended with 42.
 
MSUB had 12 second chance points to NNU's eight and NNU had 48 points in the paint to MSUB's 38. MSUB's bench played well out scoring NNU's 35-27.
 
Jordan Lehrer had a career high 13 points in 27 minutes of play. The senior forward also added four rebounds and one assists. Clarence Daniels finished with 12 points in only 17 minutes of play.
 
Brendan Howard had a team high 17 points and tied for the team lead with five rebounds. Zharon Richmond added 15 points and Psalm Maduakor had eight points to go with five rebounds.
 
Jayden Bezzant finished with a game high 24 points for the Nighthawks. Ezekiel Alley was second with 18 points. Olamilekan Adetunji had a double-double of 12 points and 132 rebounds.
 
Player of the Game: Jordan Lehrer was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for his career high 13 points.   
 
WHAT'S AHEAD: The Yellowjackets return home to host Seattle Pacific University and Saint Martin's University next week.