Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information photo credit Terri Haverfield
DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (11-11, 4-5) fell in a conference matchup tonight to the No. 11 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers (18-4, 8-1) by a final score of 81-63.
Despite a late rally that saw the Bulldogs bring the game back within eight points, Montana Tech rode a 48.1 second half shooting percentage to victory.
How It Happened
Michael Haverfield got the Bulldogs rolling early, hitting a pair of threes on the way to a Bulldog lead at 12-9 with 14:05 on the clock.
Riding behind a pair of field goals on back-to-back possessions from Jalyn Stepney, Montana Western took a narrow lead at 20-16. Montana Tech wasted little time in answering, reclaiming the momentum and stretching out to a 34-23 lead following an 18-0 spurt that stretched across six minutes of the half.
Quincy Taylor finally bought a bucket for the Bulldogs, hitting a three from the top of the arc with 4:56 left in the half. It was Taylor once more who made a layup while drawing a foul. His and one cut the game back to 36-26.
Down 50-34 with 16:40 left in the game, the Bulldogs dug deep and used an 8-0 run that was capped by another Taylor and one to bring it back to an eight-point deficit.
Despite the high point, the Orediggers would reclaim the edge and run away with the game. UMW would fall by a final score of 81-63.
Notables
The Bulldogs were outshot 53.6 percent to 38.6 percent from the field. Western also hit just 57.9 percent from the free throw line.
Taylor led the Bulldogs in scoring, totaling 17 points and picking up six rebounds. He also had a pair of steals in the game.
Haverfield followed with 15 points off of a four for seven outing from the arc. He went five for 10 from the field on the night.
Kevin Bethel was the lone Bulldog to go perfect at the free throw line. He also added four assists.
Up Next
Montana Western moves to 4-5 in conference play and will be hitting the road for a game against Rocky Mountain College next Thursday Feb. 8. Tip-off is at 7pm MT.
