BILLINGS, Mont.- Highlighting the Montan State University Yellowjacket men's basketball team (2-2) matching up against the Minot State Beavers (2-1) on November 18, 2023, in Alterowitz Gym. The Yellowjackets bounced back and took down the Beavers 82-64 in dominating fashion. "I'm really proud of how the guys bounced back after the last game," said head coach Luke Fennelly. "We were fundamentally, and statistically much better tonight and it showed what we are capable of."
 
Famous Lefthand opened the game for the Yellowjackets on a transition pass from Jalen Tot, Lefthand put up a floater from the baseline to put the 'Jackets on the board. Lefthand kept his consistent shooting going putting up two more field goals to help put the Yellowjackets down by just one 9-8 before the first time out of the game at 14:56. Right after the timeout break Ky Kouba got on the board with his first triple of the night putting MSUB up by two. Just before the half-way mark after the second timeout of the game at 11:33 Kouba hit his third 3-pointer of the game putting the 'Jackets up 22-15. Daniel Moody kept it going for the Yellowjackets after tacking on another field goal but also contributing two block, two rebounds, and a steal by this point in the game. After a back-and-forth battle at 5:10, Zharon Richmond tacked on a three-ball followed by jumper to extend the lead to eight and put Richmond at seven points on the night. After another Minot State bucket Emmanual Ajanaku made his presence known after an electrifying two handed slam dunk followed by another field goal on the next possession. In their final possession Daniel Moody added another field goal putting the 'Jackets up 42-32 going into half time. At this point the Yellowjackets were shooting an impressive 57.1 percent from the field, 63.6 percent from beyond the arch, and 75 percent from the line to produce a 10-point lead heading into the second half.
 
The 'Jackets came out hot again in the second half with a Moody field goal, Steven Richardson dunk, followed by back-to-back three pointers by Jalen tot to put the Yellowjackets up 52-40. Zharon Richmond would then drain another three ball on the next possession to help improve an impressive team statistic of 10-15 from beyond the arch at this point in the game. At the 13:50 mark Bryce Whitaker came off a screen by Richmond, lobbing a pass to who else than Emmanual Ajanaku to finish the alley-oop with authority putting the Yellowjackets up by 14. Halfway through the second half Kouba again hit another deep ball to make him 4-6 beyond the arch and putting the 'Jackets up by 19. MSUB was not just outperforming the Beavers on offense, at this point in the game the Yellowjackets were leading in all defensive categories as well with 21 rebounds, 8 steals, and 3 blocks. At the 7:40 mark Lefthand added another field goal followed by at pump fake step-back jumper putting him at 20 points on the night and extending the lead to 70-52 with under seven minutes to go in the game. Just before a Minot State timeout at the 2:40 mark Ky Kouba again from beyond the arch to keep the 22-point lead and improved the score to 80-58 in favor of the 'Jackets. With 30 seconds left on the shot clock Steven Richardson was able to hold the ball at half court, running out the clock and securing the 82-64 win.
 
 
 
KEY PERFORMANCES:
Famous Lefthand – 20 PTS (8-10 FG, 2-3 3PT, 2-2 FT), 1 AST
Zharon Richmond – 14 PTS (5-11 FG, 2-3 3PT, 2-2 FT), 3 REB, 5 AST
Daniel Moody – 16 PTS (6-7 FG, 1-2 3PT, 3-4 FT), 7 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK, 1 STL
Jalen Tot – 6 PTS (2-2 3PT), 3 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL
Emmanuel Ajanaku – 6 PTS (3-4 FG), 9 REB, 1 BLK, 1STL
 
THE BUZZ: Ky Kouba was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game after posting 18 points (6-9 from the field, 5-7 from beyond the arch, and 1-2 from the line), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
 
UP NEXT: The Montana State University Yellowjacket men's basketball team is back home Tuesday November 21^st against the #17 team in the nation the Black Hills State University Yellow jackets at 7 PM in Alterowitz Gym.