ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Earning their first win of the 2026-27 season, the Montana State University Billings men's basketball team used defensive pressure and balanced scoring to defeat Chico State 62-56 at Nicholson Arena during the D2 CCA Tipoff Classic.
The Yellowjackets (1-1) held a 29-25 lead at halftime and maintained the advantage through the second half, when they outscored the Wildcats 33-31. MSUB forced 29 turnovers and turned those extra possessions into 24 points, while adding 25 points from its bench. The Yellowjackets also recorded an impressive 17 steals, tallied 30 points in the paint, and shot just under 40% from the field as a team.
Braydon Olson paced MSUB with 15 points, four steals, three rebounds, and two assists.
Zakai Owens added 11 points, tying his career high, and was named the game's player of the game.
Jonas La Tour and
Ty Cox scored eight points apiece and combined for six rebounds and three steals.
Croix Cox and
Fischer Brown each contributed seven points.
Croix Cox finished with a team high of six rebounds, four steals and a block, while Brown recorded five rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
Jefferson Neary and
Eino Montin also chipped in three points apiece.
MSUB opened the game by establishing a defensive presence and creating opportunities off Chico State's mistakes. The Yellowjackets' ability to pressure the ball and force turnovers helped generate offense, even as the team worked through a 23-percent mark from three-point range. Olson led the scoring effort, while La Tour helped distribute the ball and keep the offense moving.
The teams played through a close first half, with MSUB taking a 29-25 lead into the break. The four-point margin reflected a competitive opening 20 minutes, and the Yellowjackets' defensive work gave them a small edge heading into the second half. MSUB's bench also supplied valuable offense, ultimately accounting for 25 points in the victory.
Chico State stayed within reach after halftime, scoring 31 points in the second half, but MSUB answered with 33 of its own to preserve the lead. Owens' 11 points tied his career high and helped bolster the Yellowjackets' offense, while Olson continued to lead the team's scoring. MSUB's defensive activity remained a key factor, with the team finishing with 17 steals and converting Chico State's turnovers into 24 points.
The Yellowjackets finished 20-for-52 from the field, shooting 38.5 percent, and made 5 of 22 attempts from beyond the arc. MSUB went 17-for-24 at the free-throw line, good for 70.8 percent. Chico State shot 37.3 percent overall, including 16.7 percent from three-point range, and made 73.7 percent of its free throws. MSUB's 29 forced turnovers and 17 steals helped create the difference in a six-point game.
UP NEXT: MSUB wraps up its appearance at the D2 CCA Tipoff Classic tomorrow, facing #RV Cal State San Bernardino at 12:00 PM (MT) at Nicholson Pavilion.
