MADISON, S.D. – The (RV) Montana Western men's basketball program (14-5, 9-4 FC) fell to Dakota State (14-4, 9-4 FC) 75-73 Saturday evening.
Though the Bulldogs led by 15 at the half, the hosts shot over 60.0 percent in the second half to take the win.
STAT BREAKDOWN
UMW shot 45.9 percent (28-61) from the field, 35.7 percent (10-28) from three, and 77.8 percent (7-9) from the foul line.
The Bulldogs tallied 27 rebounds, 11 assists, nine steals, and five blocks.
They tallied 28 points in the paint, 21 points off turnovers, 20 second-chance points, two fast-break points, and 17 bench points in the game.
LEADERBOARD
Emanuel Steward posted a team-best 23 assists, followed by
Kyle Gruhler (13) and
David Young (12).
Young led the game with a career-high 11 rebounds while he and Steward dished out three assists apiece.
Steward, Gruhler, and
Billy Carlson each earned two steals.
Joshua Whiteside swatted a game-high three blocks.
NOTABLES
Steward posted his third straight 20-point game
Young earned his first double-double of the season
Ninth game with fewer than 10 team turnovers.
GAME SUMMARY
Western got going early in the first half, opening up a double-digit lead in the first 10 minutes.
Thanks to Steward 63.6 percent (7-11) first half shooting, UMW took a 49-35 lead in to the break.
The Bulldogs shot 55.6 percent (20-36) from the floor, 50.0percent (7-14) from three, and 100.0 percent (2-2) from the foul line in the first half. They tallied 14 rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and two blocks.
After halftime, the Morgan poured in 22 points for the Trojans, helping them erase the deficit.
Western stayed fighting, but Dakota State managed the two-point win.
THE OPPOSITION
The Trojans shot 58.0 percent (29-50) from the field, 47.4 percent (9-19) from three, and 80.0 percent (8-10) from the foul line. They registered 29 rebounds, 15 assists, four steals, and three blocks. Lukas Morgan led the game with 29 points, followed by Nathan Ojukwu with 20. Ojukwu paced the team with 10 rebounds and handed out a game-high four assists. Morgan posted a team-best two steals and Tyler Beckwith swatted two blocks.
LOOKING AHEAD
Western is back at home next week when it hosts #15 Montana Tech. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MT.
For complete coverage of UMW Men's Basketball, be sure to follow us on social media at @umwesternbball (Instagram), @UMWesternBball (X), and @Montana Western Men's Basketball (Facebook) or visit our official website at UMWBulldogs.com.
#GOBULLDOGS!
