CHANDLER, Ariz. – After taking a seven-point lead into the half, the Montana Western men's basketball team (7-5) fell to Ottawa University-Ariz. 89-80 in the second matchup of the Cactus Classic.
The Bulldogs were outscored 59-43 across the second half as the Sprit hit 57.1 percent from the field and outrebounded the Bulldogs 20-13.
How It Happened
The Bulldogs were first to surge in the game, jumping to a seven-point lead five minutes into the game behind a jumper from
Jalyn Stepney and a three ball from
Michael Haverfield.
OUAZ answered quickly, shutting down the run as Jayce Catchings knocked down five points for the Spirit and Alex Villi hit one of two from the charity stripe to cut the game back to a point.
Down three to the Spirit, Stepney drained a three to tie the game and Haverfield paired with free throws from
Quincy Taylor added to the scoring run.
Abi Adedo capped off the half with a layup and the Bulldogs claimed a 37-30 lead heading into the break.
Five minutes into the second half, OUAZ utilized a 10-1 scoring run that was fueled by McKay Bundy and claimed a 47-42 lead.
The two teams fought back and forth, tying the game up four times before OUAZ took the momentum. The Spirit would take as much as an 11-point lead into the final minutes of the matchup.
A three ball from Taylor was not enough for the Bulldogs to get back on top and OUAZ secured the 89-80 win.
Notables
- OUAZ outrebounded the Bulldogs 44-36 in the game, racking up 14 offensive boards and put up 17 second chance points.
- The Spirit posted an impressive 57.1 percent in the second half and hit 20 of 35 shots from the field.
- UMW shot 45.0 percent from the field with six threes in the game.
- Adedo led scorers with 23 points and added seven rebounds and four assists.
- Stepney followed with 19 points, three boards, and two assists.
Up Next
The Bulldogs take a day off from play and will close out the Cactus Classic on Monday as they have a matchup with no. 18 ranked The Master's University at 2 p.m.
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