The Basics
Score: Montana Western 80 –  No. 9 Carroll College 74
Record: UMW (8-8, 1-4), CC (14-4, 5-1)
Location: P. E. Center - Helena, Mont.  

 Tanner Haverfield scored 11 of the Bulldogs first 15 points in the second half, to jump start a comeback as the Bulldogs scored 54 points in the half to stun the No. 9 Carroll College Fighting Saints in a packed P. E. Center Friday night. The Bulldogs trailed by 13 points at the break and it looked like Carroll was going to win their 10th straight game. But the Bulldog offense came alive, shooting 57.6 percent (19-33) and connected on five from distance, including three from Haverfield, as the Bulldogs chipped away at the lead. Western eventually took their first lead of the contest with 5:11 remaining thanks to three Derrek Durocher free-throws.  The Bulldogs wouldn't relinquish the lead as Max Clark hit four clutch free-throws in the closing seconds to seal the victory for the Bulldogs. 

Top Performers 

• Connor Burkhart recorded a 14 point 10 rebound double-double the first in his career. 
• Tanner Haverfield went 6-7 from the floor for a team-high 16 points. 
• Max Clark scored 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals.
• James Jones scored 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. 
• Dane Warp scored 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists for Carroll.
• Jovan Sljivancanin scored 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks for the Saints. 

Inside the Box Score

• The Bulldogs grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and out rebounded Carroll 41-34. 
• The Bulldogs came into the game shooting just 66.2 percent from the charity stripe. Tonight they made them when the mattered going 15-17 from the line. 
• The Bulldogs shot 57.6 percent from the floor in the second half. 
• The Saints shot just 14.3 percent from 3-point range in the second half. 
• There was a combined 10 blocked shots in the game. 

Game Notes

• The game tonight was reminiscent of a game the Bulldogs played in Helena, Mont. in December 2016, when they scored 65 points in the second half  against the Saints to erase a 23 point deficit for the comeback win. 
• The win was the Bulldogs first win against a top-10 opponent since Jan. 18, 2018 when the Bulldogs defeated No. 10 Carroll 88-77. 
• Head Coach Mike Larsen picked up his second win against a ranked team and first against a top-10 opponent. 

Up Next
The Bulldogs will return home to face Rocky Mountain College on Jan 18. Opening tip from the Straugh Gymnasium is set for 7:30 p.m.