GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The (RV) Montana Western men's basketball program (19-8, 14-7 FC) defeated Providence (5-22, 5-16 FC) 85-62 Friday evening.
The Argos led by seven halfway through the first half, but Western's relentless offense quickly put the game out of reach of the hosts.
"Great win for our guys on the road," head coach
Patrick Jensen said "I thought our defense really improved after a slow start. Quick turnaround and have to be ready to go tomorrow."
STAT BREAKDOWN
UMW shot 49.3 percent (35-71) from the field, 35.5 percent (11-31) from deep, and 44.4 percent (4-9) from the foul line.
The Bulldogs registered 40 rebounds, 17 assists, eight steals, and two blocks.
They earned 30 points in the paint, eight points of turnovers, 13 second-chance points, and 28 bench points.
LEADERBOARD
Emanuel Steward posted a game-high 19 points, followed by
Kyle Gruhler (16).
Gruhler led the team in rebounds with eight while he and
Billy Carlson dished out a game-best three assists apiece.
Jacksen Burckley and
Mark Huber tied for the game-high with two steals each.
Kolter Merritt and
River Hurley both tallied one block for the Bulldogs.
NOTABLES
Steward scored in double figures for the 25th time this season.
Gruhler pulled down a season-high in rebounds.
Carlson dished out three assists for the ninth time.
The Bulldogs earned their 12th 30-rebound game of the year.
At least 17 assists for the third time in the last five outings.
GAME SUMMARY
The teams traded points to start the game before Providence went on a 17-9 run to take an eight-point lead with just under 10 minutes remaining in the half.
The Bulldogs took over from there, outscoring the Argos 25-9 over the final nine minutes to take a 10-point lead, 42-32, into the break.
UMW shot 48.6 percent (17-35) from the field, 37.5 percent (6-16) from three, and 33.3 percent (2-6) from the foul line in the first half.
Western didn't let up in the second half, and UP didn't get closer than seven in the second 20 minutes.
The Bulldogs continued to build their lead, cruising to the 23-point victory.
THE OPPOSITION
The Argos shot 39.1 percent (25-64) from the field, 26.1 percent (6-23) from three, and 100.0 percent (6-6) from the foul line. They tallied 30 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals. Quinn Swanson posted a team-best 16 points, followed by Anthony Hobbs (15) and Brendan Redhead (14). Swanson earned a game-best 10 rebounds while he and Jakub Lloyd each tallied three assists. Redhead snagged two steals.
LOOKING AHEAD
Western is back in action tomorrow when they take on (RV) MSU-Northern. Tipoff is slated 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!
