LAS VEGAS, Nev.
– The Montana State Billings men's basketball team (9-4, 1-0 GNAC) showcased strong grit in a narrow 53-61 loss to Angelo State University (7-3, 3-2 LSC) at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center earlier this evening.
Kael Robinson was an offensive force throughout the game, contributing 16 points and eight rebounds in 33 minutes of play. The senior transfer also dished out a team high four rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. Alongside him,
Jalen Tot also made his presence felt, contributing eight points and four assists, while
Brendon Johnson added another eight points with six rebounds.
HEAR FROM FENNELLY: "It was a tough loss against a very good team. Our shots weren't falling tonight but our guys kept fighting to give us a chance at the end. We are being battle tested, which is great, and we have another great matchup against a historically great program from Lubbock. Proud of the guys fight and we are looking forward to tomorrow's matchup."
Also contributing on the offensive end was
Famous Lefthand who also tallied eight points with a career-high of two blocks, and
Cooper Dewitt with seven points, six rebounds, four assists, one block, and one steal. Despite Angelo State's strong shooting performance, MSUB was relentless on defense, forcing 10 turnovers and converting with 16 fast break points and 11 points off of turnovers.
First Half
In the first half the Yellowjackets struggled offensively, facing tight defense that disrupted their shooting rhythm. They had difficulty finding good looks, finishing with a low field goal percentage and committing several turnovers.
Kael Robinson led the team with 10 points, providing some scoring spark. Defensively, MSUB showed flashes of potential, forcing turnovers and contesting shots, but Angelo State's efficient shooting and fast breaks helped them build a double-digit lead, but a late surge brought the 'Jackets back within four heading into the half.
Second Half
In the second half, the Yellowjackets came out with a more aggressive offensive approach, with Robinson continuing to lead the charge. MSUB's shooting improved to 45% from the field after halftime, but they still struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 3 of 12 three-pointers.
Defensively, MSUB tightened up, forcing 8 turnovers in the second half. Despite these efforts, Angelo State shot a solid 50% from the field and 90% from the free-throw line in the second half, holding off the Yellowjackets' push. Angelo State's balanced scoring kept them ahead, with their lead reaching as much as 15 points late in the game. MSUB ultimately fell short, dropping their first game in Las Vegas 61-53.
STATISTIC LEADERS
POINTS: Kael Robinson (16); Three players tied (8)
REBOUNDS: Kael Robinson (8); Two players tied (6)
ASSISTS: Kael Robinson (4);
Cooper Dewitt (4)
BLOCKS: Kael Robinson (2);
Famous Lefthand (2)
STEALS: Jalen Tot (3); Three players tied (1)
THE BUZZ: Kael Robinson was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game after posting 16 points while shooting 5-11 from the field with eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal.
UP NEXT: The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team stays in Las Vegas for another matchup against Lubbock Christian University at 7:00 PM (MT) in the South Point Hotel & Equestrian Center.
