LAS VEGAS, Nev.- The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team closed out the Holiday Hoops Classic in impressive fashion Sunday night, defeating Dominican University 89–68 at South Point Arena. With the win, the Yellowjackets remained unbeaten in the event, extended their winning streak to five games, and improved to 12–2 overall and 1–0 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
MSUB delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, controlling the game on both ends of the floor. The Yellowjackets shot nearly 55 percent from the field, connected on just over 30 percent of their three-point attempts, and knocked down more than 81 percent of their free throws. On defense, MSUB limited Dominican to 33 percent shooting overall and a season-low 14 percent from beyond the arc, never allowing the Chargers to find a consistent rhythm.
"I'm proud of our guys fight this weekend, especially against two very tough opponents," said head coach
Luke Fennelly. "Our guys prepped extremely well and that showed with our two best defensive efforts of the season. Our goal was to get better this weekend, and I feel we still did just that. Still a long way to go, but we are excited for Conference play to begin. Go 'Jackets!"
Mason Landdeck led the way offensively, finishing with a game-high 25 points while also dishing out a team-best eight assists to go along with five rebounds and a steal.
Croix Cox provided a strong presence in the paint with 15 points and seven rebounds, while
Brandon Tchouya added 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Jakob Milling rounded out the double-figure scorers, contributing 13 points on efficient 5-of-8 shooting and pulling down a team-high nine rebounds.
The Yellowjackets set the tone early, scoring the first six points of the contest on three-pointers from Milling and Landdeck. After Dominican responded from long range, MSUB stretched its lead to 11–3 behind a Cox hook shot and Landdeck's second triple of the opening minutes. The Chargers answered with an 8–2 run to pull within two, but a layup from Gurske stopped the surge. After a brief scoring drought for both teams, Dominican briefly took a 20–18 lead at the 10-minute mark.
The remainder of the first half was tightly contested until MSUB seized control in the final five minutes. A three-pointer from Tchouya sparked a run that gave the Yellowjackets a seven-point edge, and Cox followed with six consecutive points to push the lead into double figures. Strong defensive possessions down the stretch allowed MSUB to enter halftime with a 46–34 advantage.
Coming out of the locker room, the Yellowjackets wasted little time extending their lead. An early basket from Landdeck and two free throws from Gurske increased the margin to 16 points. The teams traded baskets over the next several minutes, but MSUB continued to apply pressure on both ends of the floor. At the 12:55 mark, a five-point burst from La Tour pushed the lead to 18.
Midway through the second half, Tchouya capped another strong stretch with a layup that gave MSUB its largest lead of the night at 20 points. The Yellowjackets' defense was dominant after the break, holding Dominican to just 19 percent shooting in the second half and 18 percent from three-point range. Landdeck later sparked an 8–0 run in the closing minutes, pushing the lead to 28 with under three minutes remaining.
Dominican attempted to apply pressure late, but MSUB remained composed, closing out the game efficiently to secure the 89–68 victory and complete a perfect showing at the Holiday Hoops Classic.
STAT LEADERS
Points: Mason Landdeck (25)
Rebounds: Jakob Milling (9)
Assists: Mason Landdeck (8)
Steals: Jonas La Tour (2);
Gabe Hatler (2)
Blocks: Jakob Milling (3)
THE BUZZ: Mason Landdeck was named Intermountain Health Player of the Game after posting 25 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and one steal.
UP NEXT: The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team is back in action with GNAC play on New Years Day against Western Oregon University at 2:00 PM in Alterowitz Gym.
