BILLINGS, Mont. — The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team bounced back with a strong performance Monday night, using a balanced offensive attack and timely contributions throughout the lineup to earn an 83-73 victory over Westminster University inside Alterowitz Gymnasium.
The Yellowjackets (2-2) finished the night shooting 42.6% from the field, connecting on 29 of 68 attempts, while knocking down eight three-pointers and converting 17 free throws. The Yellowjackets were particularly effective creating additional opportunities, collecting 18 offensive rebounds and turning them into 20 second-chance points. MSUB also held advantages in points off turnovers (15-13) and fast-break scoring (10-6), while committing just eight turnovers throughout the contest.
Fischer Brown led the Yellowjackets with 18 points, shooting 5-for-10 from the field and 5-for-7 from three-point range. He also collected four rebounds, recorded two blocks and added two steals.
Jonas La Tour followed with 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting, while distributing a team-high five assists and adding two rebounds and a block.
Zakai Owens contributed 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting and grabbed five rebounds, while
Braydon Olson finished with 11 points, six assists and two rebounds.
Croix Cox rounded out MSUB's double-figure scorers, earning Player of the Game honors with 10 points and was a force on the glass, pulling down a team-high nine rebounds while adding two steals.
The Yellowjackets received additional contributions throughout the lineup.
Connor Oertel scored five points, grabbed four rebounds and handed out two assists, while
Ty Cox also finished with five points to go with two rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Lane Love added two points, one rebound, a block and two steals, and
Eino Montin contributed two assists.
The Yellowjackets found their rhythm early and gradually built momentum during the opening half. After an initial exchange of baskets, MSUB settled into its offense and began finding opportunities both inside and beyond the arc.
Fischer Brown provided an early perimeter spark, while
Croix Cox helped establish a presence around the basket. The Yellowjackets continued to put points on the board as the half progressed, using their work on the offensive glass to create additional possessions and keep the pressure on the visitors. The Yellowjackets went into the locker room with a 43-34 lead, giving MSUB a strong foundation heading into the second half.
Westminster looked to make up ground after the break, but the Yellowjackets continued to generate offense and answered the visitors' efforts throughout the half. MSUB scored 40 points in the second period, finishing the game with a 10-point margin of victory. The Yellowjackets' ability to get contributions from multiple players proved important, with five different MSUB players recording at least 10 points and the team continuing to capitalize on opportunities at the free-throw line.
MSUB's work on the boards was a key part of the performance, as the Yellowjackets finished with 40 rebounds, including 18 on the offensive end. The team also recorded 17 assists and eight steals, showing its ability to create opportunities through ball movement and defensive pressure. With only eight turnovers, MSUB maintained possession and limited the extra chances available to Westminster.
UP NEXT: MSUB returns to action Friday, Nov. 13, when it travels to Lacey, Washington, to face Westmont College at 6:15 p.m. Mountain time in the GNAC-PAC West Crossover Tournament.
