Bulldogs Battle With No. 10 Montana Tech, Fall 76-62

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information photo credit Terri Haverfield

DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (12-15, 5-9) put up a fight in their final home matchup of the season with the no. 10 ranked Montana Tech (23-4, 13-1) by a final score of 76-62.

Western struggled from the field on the night, hitting just 33.8 percent from the field and 3-10 from the three-point line.

How it Happened

Both teams had a rough start to the night, with neither team hitting double-digits in the first nine minutes of the game. Montana Tech broke the cold snap with a layup from Bridger Deden to take a 10-9 lead over the Bulldogs.

Michael Haverfield drained a three-pointer with 8:06 left in the half to cut the Tech lead to two and Western kept just behind the Orediggers for the next five minutes.

With under three minutes to play in the first, Jalyn Stepney grabbed a steal and found himself primed for a wide-open dunk and brought the game back within five points. Despite the momentum grab, the Orediggers went on to take a 35-25 lead at the half.

Abi Adedo knocked down a jumper and Jacksen Burckley hit a three of his own to combine for five from the start of the second half. They would cut the MT lead to seven. Despite the narrow deficit, the Orediggers kept the pressure on and stretched their lead to as much as __ down the stretch.

Despite their best effort, the Orediggers were able to keep the Bulldogs at an arm's length away and Western was unable to grab enough momentum to flip the script. UMW ultimately fell by a final score of 76-62.

Notables

• The Bulldogs were outshot 45.2 to 33.8 percent from the field.

• The Orediggers dominated the Bulldogs on the boards, racking up 48 rebounds and 12 offensive rebounds. The Bulldogs totaled 36 on the night.

• Haverfield led the Bulldogs with 15 points and four rebounds. He was a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line.

• Adedo followed with 14 points and six rebounds.

• Taylor also hit double-digits, totaling 11 points and adding six rebounds to the team count.
  

Up Next

Montana Western will travel this weekend to Billings, Mont. to cap the regular season with a game at Rocky Mountain College. Tip-off is at 4pm MT.