CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (7-3) came up short in a neutral matchup against Ottawa University Arizona to open the Cactus Classic, falling by a final score of 80-71.
How It Happened
The Bulldogs started strong, grabbing a seven-point lead early in the first half. However, turnovers and missed opportunities allowed OUAZ to claw back and claim their first lead after a three-pointer from Hunter Richardson with 12 minutes left in the half.
Kolter Merritt flipped the lead back in favor of the Bulldogs, but the Spirit rattled off 10 straight unanswered points to take control of the game.
Montana Western fell behind by as much as 18 points in the second half but refused to back down. A late surge brought the Bulldogs within single digits. UMW's
Kyle Gruhler brought the game within five points twice with under four to play, but OUAZ's composure at the charity stripe helped them to a free-throw shooting percentage of 86.7%, shutting down the Bulldogs' hopes of a comeback.
Notables
- The Bulldogs were tough on the boards as they outrebounded OUAZ 31-29, including 11 offensive rebounds that resulted in 15 second-chance points.
- UMW was led by Jalyn Stepney, who delivered with 23 points, including a nine for 11 performance from the free throw line and five boards.
- Kyle Gruhler also made his mark, recording a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
- Alan Kane contributed 11 points and four rebounds.
Up Next
Montana Western will look to regroup quickly and prepare for their next matchup of the Cactus Classic tomorrow against the no. 9 ranked The Master's University at 4 p.m.
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