ELLENSBURG, Wash. — The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team mounted a late second-half comeback Friday morning but came up just short, falling 78-73 to #23 Lubbock Christian University at Nicholson Arena in the opening game of the Tip Off Classic.
The Yellowjackets finished the afternoon shooting 42.6 percent from the field, including an impressive 45.5 percent from three-point range, knocking down 10 shots from beyond the arc. MSUB also converted 17 of 21 attempts at the free-throw line while collecting 35 rebounds and dishing out 14 assists. The 'Jackets forced 10 turnovers and scored 21 points off those miscues, but 18 turnovers of their own proved costly against the Chaparrals.
"Great first match up for us in the first game of the season," said head coach
Luke Fennelly. "Lubbock is a team that never beats themselves and are a top 25 team for a reason. Unfortunately turnovers and not finishing possessions was the difference but proud of our group as we continue to grow."
Braydon Olson paced the Yellowjackets offensively with 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists, connecting on five three-pointers.
Connor Oertel contributed 16 points and six rebounds while shooting 5-for-11 from the field and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Croix Cox added 13 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double.
Zakai Owens provided a spark off the bench with seven points, five rebounds and three assists, while
Jonas La Tour finished with eight points.
Fischer Brown chipped in four points, three rebounds and two assists.
MSUB established an early advantage in the opening half, using a balanced offensive attack to build a 6-1 lead. Oertel opened the scoring with a pair of baskets, while Olson and Fischer Brown contributed at the free-throw line. After Lubbock Christian briefly pulled ahead, the Yellowjackets responded with baskets from Zakai Owens and Jonas La Tour to regain momentum. Olson connected from beyond the arc, and the 'Jackets continued to find offensive opportunities through their perimeter shooting and transition offense.
The lead changed hands several times throughout the opening 20 minutes, with MSUB continuing to answer as the teams traded baskets. A three-pointer from Ty Cox and additional scoring from Olson helped keep the Yellowjackets within striking distance, while Oertel and Croix Cox provided production around the basket. MSUB eventually faced a late first-half deficit, but continued to generate offense at the free-throw line and through its interior scoring. Lubbock Christian carried a 43-38 advantage into halftime.
The second half opened with Lubbock Christian extending its lead, but MSUB continued to fight to stay within reach. Oertel converted a pair of free throws, and Olson followed with a fast-break basket before additional scoring from the Yellowjackets kept the deficit manageable. Despite the early push from MSUB, Lubbock Christian gradually extended its advantage, eventually building a 62-47 lead with just under 12 minutes remaining.
Rather than backing down, the Yellowjackets mounted an impressive late comeback. Olson and Oertel helped spark the offensive push from the perimeter, while Croix Cox provided an inside presence and Zakai Owens converted several trips to the free-throw line. A three-pointer from Oertel brought MSUB within six, and Owens continued to capitalize at the stripe as the deficit dwindled to just two points at 67-65. Fischer Brown added a basket inside before Oertel connected from beyond the arc to make it a 73-70 game. Olson followed with another three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining, bringing the Yellowjackets within one at 74-73. However, Lubbock Christian converted its final free throws to secure the five-point victory.
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets will look to bounce back Saturday when they return to Nicholson Arena for the second day of the Tip Off Classic, facing Chico State at 11 a.m. Mountain time.
