LACEY, Wash. — The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team battled until the final seconds Friday night, but a late push fell just short in a 79-74 loss to Westmont College inside Marcus Pavilion to open their 2026 GNAC/PacWest Crossover Tournament.
The Yellowjackets (2-3) put together a strong offensive performance, shooting 44.1% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range. MSUB finished with 39 rebounds, including 12 offensive boards, while distributing 22 assists and recording four steals. The 'Jackets also held advantages in rebounding and assists but were unable to overcome Westmont's second-half shooting, as the Warriors connected on 62.1% of their attempts from the field after halftime.
Connor Oertel led the Yellowjackets offensively with 17 points, knocking down three three-pointers while shooting 5-for-8 from the field.
Eino Montin added 11 points off the bench, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc while contributing five assists and two steals.
Croix Cox recorded a strong all-around performance with 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists and five blocked shots.
Jonas La Tour also reached double figures with 10 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while
Fischer Brown contributed eight points on a perfect 2-for-2 shooting from the field and beyond the arc.
Westmont opened the contest with a pair of three-pointers to take an early 6-0 lead, but the Yellowjackets quickly answered.
Braydon Olson converted two free throws before Brown knocked down a three-pointer to pull MSUB within one.
Jonas La Tour followed with a three-pointer to give the 'Jackets their first lead at 8-6, and
Ty Cox added a layup to extend the advantage. MSUB continued to find its rhythm offensively, with Olson and
Croix Cox scoring inside before
Eino Montin connected from beyond the arc to put the Yellowjackets ahead 21-16.
Westmont responded with a run to regain the lead, moving in front 24-21 midway through the first half. Oertel answered with a free throw, and
Cory Lovell added a point at the line as MSUB worked its way back even. The teams continued to trade baskets before the Yellowjackets took control late in the half. Montin scored inside and La Tour followed with a layup, while Oertel converted a pair of free throws and Montin added another three-pointer. Oertel capped the late push with a free throw, sending MSUB into halftime with a 35-28 advantage.
The Yellowjackets carried their momentum into the second half, stretching the lead to eight on multiple occasions. Oertel opened the scoring for MSUB with a three-pointer, and Brown followed with one of his own. La Tour added a layup and free throw before Oertel connected from long range twice more, helping the 'Jackets build a 50-42 cushion. Westmont gradually chipped away at the deficit, however, and pulled even at 51-51 before taking the lead with a pair of baskets. MSUB continued to battle, with Oertel scoring inside and
Croix Cox adding a pair of baskets in the paint, but Westmont maintained its advantage and pushed the margin to 65-57.
Montin sparked another Yellowjacket push with a three-pointer, and Olson followed with a fast-break layup to bring MSUB within three at 67-64. After Westmont answered from beyond the arc, Oertel scored inside and Cox added another layup to keep the 'Jackets within striking distance. Westmont maintained a narrow lead in the closing minutes, but MSUB continued to pressure the margin. Cox scored inside before
Zakai Owens drilled a three-pointer with 1:31 remaining, cutting the deficit to 76-73. Cox converted a free throw with 46 seconds left to make it a two-point game, but Westmont answered with a basket and added a free throw in the final seconds to secure the 79-74 result.
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets will remain in Lacey, Washington, for their next contest, facing the University of Hawaii at Hilo on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 6:15 p.m. Mountain time inside Marcus Pavilion.
