DICKINSON, N.D. – Following a huge second half performance, the Montana Western Bulldogs (6-3) topped Dickinson State (N.D.) 64-61 in the first day of the Coca Cola Classic hosted by DSU.
Three Bulldogs reached double-digits in tonight's comeback win, with
Jalyn Stepney hitting 17 points and
Michael Haverfield at 16 with four threes.
How It Happened
DSU got the jump on the Bulldogs, riding a 9-0 scoring run to a 10-point lead over the Bulldogs.
Christian Pitcher knocked down a pair with 11:10 on the clock, but DSU continued their march. The Blue Hawks would continue to capitalize on trips to the free throw line paired with six threes in the half to take a 38-25 lead at the break.
Despite the 13-point deficit, the Bulldogs made adjustments at the half and showed grit through the entire second frame. Haverfield and
Abi Adedo combined for five, trimming the lead back to single digits.
Back-to-back triples from Haverfield were crucial in getting UMW back within striking distance with 16:37 left to play.
With under two minutes to play, the Bulldogs evened the score at 59 and took their first lead since the first minutes of the matchup as Adedo made a free throw on an and one opportunity.
Tough defense and a pair of free throws from
Quincy Taylor sealed the deal for the 64-61 UMW comeback win.
Notables
- UMW finishes the series with the DSU Blue Hawks this season going 2-0 and winning their fifth game against DSU in the last three seasons.
- Stepney finished the night with 17 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. He was also perfect from the free throw line, hitting on all four attempts.
- Haverfield went 4-6 from the arc, racking up a season high of 16 points and five rebounds.
- Taylor knocked down 10 points and added six boards.
Up Next
UMW will face a tough Mayville State (N.D) tomorrow night at 5 p.m. MT. The Comets enter at 8-2 following their 10-point win tonight over Carroll College.
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