SANTA BARBARA, Cal.- The Montana State University Billings Men's Basketball team (0-1) opened up their season at the GNAC vs PAC West Crossover tournament against the host team, the Westmont College Warriors (1-0). The Warriors were competing in their first NCAA D2 competition after changing governance bodies, making the change from the NAIA. The hometown team proved tough to beat as the Warriors edged the 'Jackets 82-65.
 
It was the Warriors who came out hot in the first half getting ahead to an early 9-2 lead by shooting over 50 percent from the field. Westmont started to cool down as turnovers, and sloppy transition defense resulted in MSUB finding some momentum. Zharon Richmond led the charge early with four quick points in the game, followed by Jalen Tot, Steven Richardson, and Emmanual Ajanaku with two of their own. The 'Jackets found their stride halfway through first half going on a 10-0 run and leading 16-11. Both squads were showing great defense up to this point, creating 13 turnovers combined and seven steals combined going into the under 8-minute media timeout.
 
The Yellowjackets went on another incredible run outscoring the Warriors 16-3, lead behind Famous Lefthand who had seven points during the stretch. The Warriors ended the first half on a 9-2 run which allowed them to pull within seven at half, trailing the Yellowjackets 36-29. The 'Jackets had a balanced offense so far with seven total players having made two field goals or more. At half, Ajanaku led the way with eight points, followed by seven each from Lefthand and Richardson.
 
Daniel Moody opened the second half for the 'Jackets with a quick bucket to bring him to a total of six points and six rebounds on the night. Early in the second half, after a pair of turnovers by MSUB, the Warriors capitalized and went on a 9-2 run of their own, tying it up at 38. Westmont would continue their streak and gain a lead of 44-40 behind Adrian McIntyre's strong play, who had 11 points for the Warriors up to this point. The Yellowjacket offense was struggling to find success shooting just 3-12 from the field and six turnovers as a team early in the second half.
 
Halfway through the second half the Warriors were leading 53-44 with the momentum of the home crowd at their backs. The Warriors would go up 60-46, but at the 6:46 mark, Jalen Tot had an and-1 lay-up that shifted momentum back to the 'Jackets as they pulled back within 10 points at 62-52. A Moody offensive rebound led to two more free throws by Jalen Tot and the 'Jackets were back within single digits. However, the Warriors regained control of the game after a quick 5-0 run with only four minutes left in the game. The Yellowjackets were doing their best to mount a comeback, but the Warriors made it difficult shooting over 60 percent from the field and from the three-point line at this point in the second half.
 
The Warriors, poised to win their first NCAA D2 contest, finished the game strong behind their rowdy home crowd and defeated the 'Jackets 82-65. Despite a strong first half, MSUB was outscored 53-29 in the second half as the Warriors had everything going for them. Jalen Tot led the 'Jackets with 17 points, followed by strong season debuts by Moody (10 points, 7 rebounds) and Ajanaku (10 points).
 
 
KEY PERFORMANCES:
Daniel Moody – 10 PTS (5-11 FG), 7 REB, 2 AST
Emmanuel Ajanaku – 10 PTS (4-6 FG, 2-2 FT), 2 REB
Steven Richardson – 9 PTS, 5 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL
Zharon Richmond – 8 PTS (3-7 FG, 2-2 FT), 7 REB
 
THE BUZZ: Jalen Tot was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game after posting 17 points (7-10 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets are back at it again for day two of the GNAC vs PAC West Crossover at Westmont against the University of Hawaii at Hilo at 1 PM Pacific Standard Time.