Stepney’s Three-Pointers Spark Bulldogs’ Strong Performance In Win Over Saints

University of Montana Western Press Release

DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (13-11) got back in the win column defeating Carroll College (10-14), 92-82, this evening.

The Bulldogs were led by Jalyn Stepney, who posted a game-high and season-best 28 points.

How it Happened:

Stepney knocked down three three-pointers, while Abi Adedo added six points to help the Bulldogs build a 20-11 lead midway through the first half.

Carroll responded by attacking the paint, scoring 20 points inside as part of a 14-3 run that put them ahead 29-23.

The Bulldogs stepped up defensively, with Colter Merritt and Kyle Gruhler each forcing turnovers as part of a stretch that held the Saints scoreless over the final two minutes of the half. Western closed on a 5-0 run to take a six-point lead into the break.

Coming out of halftime, the Saints hit a pair of three-pointers, but Gruhler answered with one of his own to maintain a 62-59 advantage with 13 minutes remaining.

Billy Carleson provided a spark off the bench, contributing four points, three rebounds, and two assists while Western held onto a 69-67 lead.

Alan Kane then scored nine points as part of a Bulldog run that extended the lead to 80-74. Gruhler and Stepney followed with key baskets to push the lead even further and secure the victory.

Notables:

• Stepney finished the game shooting 8-of-19 from the field, including 6-of-14 from beyond the arc.

• Adedo contributed 18 points, going 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, while adding four rebounds and a team-high four assists.

• Kane tallied 15 points and grabbed five rebounds.

• The Bulldogs outrebounded the Saints 33-26.

Up Next

The Bulldogs will hit the road to take on Montana State University-Northen this Thursday, February 13, with tip-off set for 7 p.m.