Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information, Photo Credit Terri Haverfield
DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (11-10, 4-4) found success in tonight's game with the University of Providence Argos (10-11, 3-5) after they won the matchup 83-67.
"Really proud of our guys for sticking to the game plan and then come out in the second half and really executing offensively and defensively," head coach Patrick Jensen said. "To only have three turnovers in the second half is huge and it was a big emphasis we had in the talk at halftime. Sitting down and finally getting some stops and to hold them to 28 percent in the second half was huge. Just really proud of our guys."
How It Happened
After an even-matched opening 10 minutes, a pair of free throws from Quincy Taylor with 9:21 on the clock tied the game at 16.
Though a free throw from UP's Jake Olsen gave the Argos a narrow one-point lead, the Bulldogs would go on to score on back-to-back possessions to claim a 20-17 lead and hang on through the final two minutes of the first half.
A quick 7-0 run for the Argos added enough to the board to help them to claim a 39-37 lead heading into the break.
Western hit the gas pedal right from the start of the second half, running on to take a 47-39 lead behind consecutive threes from Michael Haverfield. The Bulldogs pressed on and kept the Argos at an arm's length through the next seven minutes.
Within two minutes and 35 seconds, the Bulldogs rode an 8-0 run that saw numerous perfect trips to the free throw line as Western surged to a 69-53 lead with eight minutes remaining in the game.
The Argos were unable to find enough to come back and the Bulldogs cruised to an 83-67 win.
Notables
Tonight's win marks the most decisive win the Bulldogs have recorded in conference play, winning by a 16-point scoring margin.
After totaling seven turnovers in the first half alone, the Bulldogs stepped it up and turned the ball over just three times in the second half.
The UMW defense stepped up in the second half, forcing the Argos to seven turnovers and to a 28.6 shooting percentage from the field.
Four Bulldogs hit double digits in scoring with Jalyn Stepney and Adedo leading the way with 17 apiece. Adedo also added nine boards and a pair of blocks.
Haverfield went five for seven from the field and totaled 14. He was a perfect three for three from the arc.
Kevin Bethel dished out five assists and grabbed six boards.
Up Next
Montana Western moves to 4-4 in conference play and will be returning to the Straugh Gymnasium this Saturday for a game against No. 11 ranked Montana Tech. Tip-off is at 4pm MT.