BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team returned to Great Northwest Athletic Conference play with a bang, defeating the Central Washington University Wildcats 63-47 on Thursday night at Alterowitz Gym.
 
Returning home for their first game since the holiday break, the Yellowjackets (9-4, 3-0 GNAC) resumed play by taking care of business against the Wildcats (4-8, 0-3 GNAC) to remain undefeated against GNAC opponents. The 'Jackets were led by stifling defense, as they held the Wildcats to just 33.3 percent shooting from the field, and 15.8 percent from beyond the arc. It provided a solid base to build off for the hosts who led by as much as 25 in the game.
 
Abdul Bah came off the bench to lead the Yellowjackets with 15 points in the game. Carrington Wiggins finished with 12 points and four steals. Bilal Shabazz had 10 points and 14 rebounds. Besides Wiggins, four other players finished the game with multiple steals as the 'Jackets forced 16 steals, tying their season high for most in a game.
 
The 'Jackets never trailed in the game but played a much closer first half. While they led by as much as 12 in the first, Central Washington was able to stay close, shooting a similar percentage to MSUB. The difference was the Yellowjackets didn't allow Central to hit a single 3-pointer, using their trio of triples to hold onto a 31-24 lead at the half.
 
The second half opened with an offensive explosion from the Yellowjackets, one that would prove too much to overcome. Bah helped push the 'Jackets offense forward, and the tough defense would prevent the Wildcats from getting going all half. The 'Jackets largest lead of the night was 63-38 with 3:20 remaining, and while Central Washington would get some buckets late to pull the score closer, it wouldn't become a comeback.
 
Central Washington forward Matt Poquette led all players with 19 points, chipping in eight rebounds in the game. He would be the only player for the Wildcats to finish in double digits. Camron McNeil, the Wildcat's leading scorer this season was held to just eight points, shooting 4-for-13 in the game.
 
THE BUZZ: Bah was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…Shabazz's double-double was his third in the past four games.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets will look to finish out 2022 on a high note and continue their undefeated record in GNAC play against the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks on December 31 at 2 p.m. at Alterowitz Gymnasium.