LAS VEGAS – The Montana State University men's basketball team opened their play in the Holiday Hoops Classic with a come from behind victory against the Missouri S&T Miners, triumphing 75-70 in a back-and-forth affair Saturday at South Point Arena.
The Yellowjackets (8-3) spent much of the game trailing but were able to turn it on when they needed to the most, using a strong second half to defeat the Miners (7-3). MSUB outscored Missouri S&T 52-41 in the second half after trailing by as much as 10 early in the final half.
Carrington Wiggins led all players in scoring, putting up 25 points, shooting 8-for-19 from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line.
Steven Richardson had 18 points, shooting 8-for-12 from the free throw line. The Yellowjackets made 21 free throws compared to 13 by the Miners, as MSUB's ability to get to the line proved crucial to its victory.
Bilal Shabazz earned another double-double, with 10 points and 13 rebounds for the 'Jackets.
Jajuan Tot had a team high three assists, while his twin brother Jalen had two assists to go with eight points.
The first half opened with each team going on a big run. The Miners went on an 8-0 run in the first four minutes of the game, which the Yellowjackets followed with a 10-0 run over the next minute and a half. From them on out it would remain close, with Missouri S&T staying just a few points ahead for most of the first.
The second half started in S&T's favor, but the 'Jackets would respond in a big way. After trailing by 10, MSUB slowly took control, chipping at the lead until the Miners let it slip for good with 6:44 left in the half. Aided by their defense, which held the Miners scoreless for over seven minutes down the stretch in the second half, the Yellowjackets limited S&T's chances to hit shots and converted their free throws down the stretch to hold onto the win.
Lovell Williams scored a game high 26 for the Miners, with 10 rebounds and five assists. Alex Benassi had 16 points, while Ikenna Okeke had 13 to go with eight rebounds. Each team shot 40 percent from the field. The difference was MSUB shooting 35 percent from three, while Missouri S&T only managed 22 percent.
THE BUZZ: Wiggins was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game… It was Wiggins' fifth 20-point game of the season, and his third in a row… Shabazz has had a double-double in two consecutive games, with Saturday's being his third of the season.
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets finish their weekend in Las Vegas with another game this Sunday evening against Angelo State University, with tip off taking place at 5:45 p.m. MST (6:45 p.m. PST).
