BURNABY, B.C. – The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team came out ahead against the Simon Fraser University Red Leafs 73-52, continuing their undefeated start to Great Northwest Athletic Conference play on Saturday night at the West Gym.
 
The Yellowjackets (12-4, 6-0 GNAC) used a huge second half performance to overcome the Red Leafs (5-10, 0-5 GNAC). They outscored the hosts 40-17 across the final 20 minutes of play, overcoming a two point deficit at the half to win by 19. The 'Jackets shot 58.3 percent from 3-point range on their way to draining 14 triples, and took exceptional care of the basketball, only turning the ball over four times.
 
It was the Abdul Bah show for the 'Jackets, who went a perfect 7-for-7 from beyond the arc on his way to scoring 23 points, setting himself a new career high. Carrington Wiggins was right behind him with 21 points, going 5-for-6 himself on 3-point shots. Steven Richardson did a majority of his scoring in the latter period, putting in 11 for MSUB. Behind them, Emmanuel Ajanaku collected team highs with nine rebounds and four assists, while Bilal Shabazz had eight boards and four blocks.
 
The 'Jackets and Leafs played each other close in the first half, with Simon Fraser leading by two going into the halftime break. The Red Leafs shot 60 percent from the field in the opening half and out-rebounded the 'Jackets 15-11 while leading for most of the half. Going into halftime, the 'Jackets knew they'd have to make some adjustments if they wanted to extend their winning streak to four games in a row.
 
The Yellowjackets were dominant on both sides of the ball through the second half, outshooting Simon Fraser 53.6 percent to 21.9 percent from the field, and not allowing SFU to hit a single 3-pointer the rest of the way. The 'Jackets tightened up all aspects of play, leading by as much as 23 in the game on their way to what became a blowout victory.
 
THE BUZZ: Bah was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…his seven made 3-pointers were the most by a single Yellowjacket in a game this season…Bah's current 3-point percentage for the season sits at 58 percent…the 'Jackets have a 17-5 record all time against the Red Leafs, snapping a three game losing streak with tonight's win.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets' next game is a crucial one for conference control, where they face off against Saint Martin's University, the only other undefeated team in GNAC play this season. The game is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, at Alterowitz Gym, with tip off at 7 p.m.