DILLON, Mont. – The UMW men's basketball program (16-8, 11-7 FC) showcased resilience in its 87-74 overtime victory against Dickinson State (7-17, 5-13 FC) Saturday.
The Bulldogs led by as many as 11 in the first half, but the Blue Hawks pulled back to tie it late in regulation to force the extra period. Western then outscored the visitors 19-6 in overtime to ensure the win.
"Really proud of our guys for finding a way to win," head coach
Patrick Jensen said. "Had a lot of guys step up with injuries and foul trouble. Great team win!"
STAT BREAKDOWN
UMW shot 43.5 percent (27-62) from the floor, 34.8 percent (8-23) from distance, and 73.5 percent (25-34) from the foul line.
The Bulldogs tallied 36 rebounds, 14 assists, nine steals, and one block in the contest.
They posted36 points in the paint, 15 points off turnovers, eight second-chance points, and 39 bench points.
LEADERBOARD
Emanuel Steward led all players in both points (24) and assists (six) while also pulling down a team-best seven boards.
Quincy Taylor also reached double figures in scoring with 19 points.
Mark Huber snagged a game-high three steals and swatted Western's one block of the game.
NOTABLES
Steward posted his 10th 20-point game of the season.
Taylor dropped a season-high in points.
Huber earned a season-best in steals.
Second-fewest turnovers of the campaign.
Tied for the third-most steals on the year.
GAME SUMMARY
The game was back-and forth through the first five minutes of play, but Western slowly built its lead to 11, 22-11, midway through the first period.
Dickinson State slowly clawed their way back into the game and the Bulldogs led by one, 33-32, at the half.
UMW shot 46.4 percent (13-28) from the field, 27.3 percent (3-11) from deep, and 42.9 percent (3-7) from the charity stripe over the first 20 minutes.
Western held a slight advantage for the majority of the second half, but the visitors remained pesky.
The Blue Hawks knotted things at 55 with eight minutes remaining, and from there neither team led by more than three points. The Bulldogs had a chance to steal the win with a final shot in regulation, but strong defense from DSU forced overtime.
UMW didn't leave it up to chance in the extra frame shooting 75.0 percent (3-4) from open play and 91.7 percent (11-12) from the line to put the game to bed.
THE OTHER GUYS
The Blue Hawks shot 45.3 percent (24-53) from the floor, 25.0 percent (5-20) from three, and 75.0 percent (21-28) from the line. They registered 38 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks, and two steals. Quincy Linton led the team with 21 points, followed by Isaiah Vargas (14) and Griffyn Doughty (11). Doughty posted a game-best nine rebounds. Vargas, Cordell Stinson, and Detavius Frierson all earned two steals. Frierson and Doughty tallied two steals each. Cargas recorded a game-best two blocks.
LOOKING AHEAD
Western returns to Straugh Gymnasium next weekend when it hosts Dakota State (2/13) and Bellevue (2/14).
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!
