GRAND JUNCTION, Col.- The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team (7–2) came up just short in a back-and-forth battle Saturday night, falling 87–84 to Colorado Mesa University in Brownson Arena. The matchup featured 10 lead changes—seven of them in the final 14 minutes—as the Yellowjackets were unable to withstand a strong second-half push from the Mavericks.
 
MSUB entered halftime with a commanding 15-point lead, but CMU mounted a rally unlike anything the Yellowjackets have faced this season, outscoring them 52–34 after the break to complete the comeback. The Yellowjackets leave the Thanksgiving Classic with a 1–1 record and head into conference play boasting the GNAC's second-best winning percentage (.778), trailing only Northwest Nazarene (5–1).
 
Even in defeat, MSUB turned in an impressive overall performance. The 'Jackets shot 48% from the field, 36% from beyond the arc, and 79% at the foul line. They also dominated several statistical categories, including points in the paint (40–22), second-chance points (19–14), points off turnovers (28–18), and fast-break scoring (20–17).
 
Scoring was balanced once again, with 11 Yellowjackets contributing and four reaching double figures. Miles Gurske led the way with 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Jonas La Tour and Pedro Ellery each added 11 points, combining for six three-pointers, while Mason Landdeck chipped in 11 points and seven assists. Intermountain Health Player of the Game Jakob Milling delivered across the board, finishing with nine points on 4-of-6 shooting, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block.
 
The Rundown
Colorado Mesa struck first with an 8-0 opening run, but MSUB quickly countered with a 9-0 surge to reclaim the lead. After trading baskets, the Yellowjackets moved ahead 13–11 at the 14:38 mark in the first half—a lead they would hold until 14 minutes remained in the game. MSUB controlled the rest of the opening period, stretching the margin to as many as 18 points before entering halftime up 50–35.
 
The second half brought a dramatic shift. CMU stormed back with a 20-4 run to take a 55–54 lead just over six minutes into the period. After a bucket from Cam Malray briefly stopped the momentum, the Mavericks answered with another 10-3 push to go up by six. The teams then traded blows in a tightly contested stretch: MSUB responded with a 10-4 run to regain a 70–69 advantage, only for CMU to snatch it back moments later. Two more lead changes followed before the Mavericks took control for good with two minutes remaining. In the closing moments, MSUB couldn't convert on key opportunities while CMU knocked down crucial free throws to seal the 87–84 win.
 
STAT LEADERS
Points: Miles Gurske (14)
Rebounds: Miles Gurske (5); Jakob Milling (5)
Assists: Mason Landdeck (7)
Steals: Miles Gurske (3); Jakob Milling (3)
Blocks: Jakob Milling (1)
 
THE BUZZ: Jakob Milling was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game.
 
UP NEXT: The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team heads home to open up GNAC play against Seattle Pacific University on December 6^th at 2:00 pm in Alterowitz Gym.