No. 23 Montana Western Rolls Past Mayville State, 91–69

DILLON, Mont. — The No. 23 Montana Western men’s basketball team continued its strong Frontier Conference play Sunday evening, never trailing in a 91–69 victory over Mayville State inside Straugh Gymnasium.

The Bulldogs (9–3, 5–2 FC) were tied just twice in the opening three minutes before seizing control for good. Western led by as many as 26 points and cruised to its third win in the last four games.

Montana Western shot an efficient 46.6 percent (34-of-73) from the floor and connected on a season-best 14 three-pointers, finishing 48.3 percent (14-of-29) from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs also went 9-of-10 (90.0 percent) at the free-throw line.

Kyle Gruhler led all scorers with 31 points, shooting 64.7 percent (11-of-17) from the field and knocking down nine three-pointers. Emanuel Steward added 11 points and dished out a game-high six assists.

Joshua Whiteside controlled the glass with 10 rebounds, while David Young anchored the defense with four blocks. Gruhler, Billy Carlson, and Kolter Merritt each recorded two steals.

Western finished with 40 rebounds, 17 assists, 12 blocks, and seven steals, marking a season high in blocks and the third time in four games the Bulldogs have reached the 40-rebound mark. The Red and Black also posted 32 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers, 19 second-chance points, and 31 bench points.

The Bulldogs took a 9–7 lead early in the first half and steadily pulled away, stretching the advantage to 17 points by halftime. Western entered the locker room leading 45–28 after shooting 44.7 percent from the field and an impressive 56.3 percent from three-point range in the opening half.

Montana Western maintained the pressure in the second half, building the lead to as many as 26. Mayville State never closed the gap to fewer than 20 points over the final 20 minutes.

For the Comets (5–6, 1–5 FC), Christian Bowen-Webb scored a team-high 19 points. Ollie Fell grabbed eight rebounds, Devin Griffin dished out five assists, and Amon Moore and Darius Brant each recorded two steals.

Looking Ahead

Montana Western travels to Pocatello, Idaho, on Thursday for an exhibition matchup against NCAA Division I Idaho State.