DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (10-6) dropped their first Frontier Conference game of the season to the University of Providence (8-8) this afternoon, 65-67.
Jalyn Stepney led the Bulldogs' effort, scoring a game-high 24 points.
How It Happened
The first half was tightly contested, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm early.
Kyle Gruhler grabbed eight first-half rebounds while contributing seven points, and
Alan Kane and
Abi Adedo each added six points.
The Bulldogs held the Argos to 1-for-11 shooting from beyond the arc, but Providence's 23 first-half rebounds, including nine on the offensive glass, kept them in the game.
Five UMW turnovers and 1-for-10 shooting from three-point range prevented the Bulldogs from gaining a larger advantage, and the teams went into halftime tied at 28-28.
In the second half, after Providence took a three-point lead, the Bulldogs responded with three consecutive three-pointers from Stepney to build a 43-37 advantage.
The teams traded baskets and defensive stops until the Argos tied the game at 53-53 midway through the half.
Providence then caught fire, shooting 57.7% from the field and 63.6% from beyond the arc in the second half. An 8-0 run by the Argos gave them a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
Despite Providence's hot shooting, the Bulldogs had a chance to tie the game with two seconds remaining but missed the shot, sealing the Argos' victory.
Notables
- Stepney was 5-for-12 from three-point range.
- Kyle Gruhler recorded a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
- Abi Adedo scored 10 points and secured six rebounds.
- Alan Kane dished out five assists.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will continue their home stand on Thursday, January 16, as they take on Montana Tech in the Straugh Gymnasium, with tip-off set for 7 p.m.
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