RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team came up just short against the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers, losing 76-71 in a close battle on Friday night at the King Center.
 
The Yellowjackets (4-2) came out firing in the first half, leading by 11 at halftime on the road. But it wouldn't hold as the Hardrockers (1-4) came out of halftime firing, outscoring the 'Jackets 50-34 in the second half. Jalen Tot scored 18 points for the Yellowjackets, the most in his MSUB career. Carrington Wiggins chipped in 15 points. Bilal Shabazz totaled a double-double, with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Emmanuel Ajanaku topped MSUB with five assists.
 
MSUB had a promising first half, leading 37-26 over the home team. Tot led the way, scoring all of his points in the first half. The 'Jackets led for almost the entire period, behind not just Tot's explosive offensive showcase, but well-rounded team shooting, hitting 50 percent of their shots from the field and 44 percent from three.
 
But for the second half, the hot shooting switched to the home team. The Hardrockers improved to shoot 62 percent in the second half, and 54 percent from three. The Yellowjackets just couldn't keep up, with South Dakota Mines taking the lead with 7:17 remaining and not looking back. While the 'Jackets almost pulled it back late, a late miss by Steven Richardson and following basket by Kolten Mortensen put the game just out of reach.
 
Mortensen was impossible to stop, scoring 28 points to lead all players and power the Hardrockers to the win. He was 11-for-13 from the field, 6-for-8 from 3-point range, and chipped in seven rebounds and two assists. Kolton Frugoli scored 14 and led Mines with eight rebounds. Brevin Weaver had five assists to go with 14 points of his own.
 
THE BUZZ: Jalen Tot was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…the 'Jackets are 1-3 all-time versus the Hardrockers.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets look to stop their losing skid against University of Alaska Anchorage in the beginning of GNAC play, with the game occurring in Anchorage Thursday, December 1 at 7:15 MST.