BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets (4-1) stretched their win streak to three games with a dominant 60-48 victory over the University of Hawaii-Hilo Vulcans (2-2) on Saturday, November 9th, at Alterowitz Gym. The win capped off the 2024 GNAC/PacWest Crossover, with the Yellowjackets securing a 12-point triumph after controlling the game for nearly the entire 40 minutes.
From the opening tip, MSUB dictated the pace, leading for over 95 percent of the contest, and with just two lead changes, it was clear who was in charge. The Yellowjackets shot 44 percent from the field and were lights-out from beyond the arc, hitting 39 percent of their three-point attempts, compared to Hawaii-Hilo's struggles at 27 percent from the field and 15 percent from three. Additionally, MSUB took full advantage of its free throw opportunities, converting 73 percent of its attempts, while the Vulcans were limited to just 50 percent at the line.
Foul trouble early on didn't slow the Yellowjackets, as their depth proved critical. MSUB outscored the Vulcans 26-10 in bench points, with contributions coming from all corners of the roster.
Jalen Tot continued to lead the charge, earning Intermountain Health Player of the Game honors with 14 points, three assists, and two steals. He was efficient, shooting 4-10 from the field, including 2-4 from three-point range, and perfect from the free throw line (4-4). Joining him in double figures was
Kael Robinson, who chipped in 10 points, along with three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
Also making key contributions were
Jajuan Tot, who finished with eight points, a team-high six assists, and two steals, and
Cooper Dewitt, who added eight points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Pedro Ellery also had seven points, with three rebounds, and one steal, providing a steady presence for the 'Jackets.
On the defensive end,
Brendon Johnson grabbed a team-high six rebounds, while
David Jones was a force at the rim with three blocks. The defensive effort helped MSUB limit Hawaii-Hilo's opportunities, particularly in the second half when the Vulcans tried to mount a comeback.
The game began with a slow pace, as neither team was able to score in the first two minutes. The Yellowjackets finally broke the deadlock, with Robinson scoring the first points of the game. The teams traded baskets early on before MSUB broke free with a 9-0 run, fueled by three straight triples from
Jalen Tot, Ellery, and
Fares Kacem. This pushed the lead to 19-7, and the Yellowjackets would hold a comfortable 31-20 advantage heading into the break.
Hawaii-Hilo made a strong push early in the second half, opening with a 19-11 run to cut their deficit to just three points with 10:30 remaining. MSUB responded swiftly, as
Jajuan Tot scored four of six unanswered points to push the lead back to nine. With the Vulcans never able to fully recover, MSUB closed the game with a statement, including a clutch pair of free throws from
Jalen Tot and a highlight-reel dunk from Robinson in the final minute, securing the 60-48 victory.
STATISTIC LEADERS
POINTS: Jalen Tot (14);
Kael Robinson (10)
REBOUNDS: Brendon Johnson (6);
Fares Kacem (4)
ASSISTS: Jajuan Tot (6);
Jalen Tot (3)
STEALS: Jalen Tot (2);
Jajuan Tot (2);
Famous Lefthand (2)
BLOCKS: David Jones (3);
Kael Robinson (2)
THE BUZZ: Jalen Tot was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game after posting 14 points while shooting 4-10 from the field, 2-4 from beyond the arch, and a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line.
UP NEXT: The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team will play their much-awaited Rimrock Rivalry matchup against the Rocky Mountain College Battlin' Bears on Wednesday, November 13
th at 7:00 PM in Alterowitz Gymnasium.
