Bulldogs Defeat Rocky, Lock In No. 4 Seed For Frontier Tournament

University of Montana Western Press Release

DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (16-12) closed out the regular season with a strong 80-66 victory over Rocky Mountain College (18-10). 

Jalyn Stepney led the Bulldogs in scoring with 26 points, knocking down six three-pointers. 

"I'm so happy for our three seniors to go out at home like we did today," Head Coach Pat Jensen said. "We had huge contributions tonight, and it was a total team effort. Thank you to everyone who came out—it was a great crowd, and our guys thrived on it." 

How It Happened: 

In a back-and-forth first half, both teams struggled with their shooting early. Stepney provided a spark with two three-pointers, while Jacob Ankeny and Kevin Bethel also contributed baskets for the Bulldogs. 

Abi Adedo added four points, including a thunderous dunk, while Billy Carlson chipped in five. Stepney continued his strong play, scoring eight more points and hitting two additional three-pointers. Western took a 31-27 lead into halftime. 

Stepney stayed hot in the second half, draining two more three-pointers. Bethel turned defense into offense, scoring five points as the Bulldogs extended their lead to 51-41 midway through the half. 

Rocky responded with a quick 6-0 run to cut the deficit, but the Bulldogs answered with a 9-1 run fueled by Adedo's strong play inside. That surge put the game away, securing the victory for Montana Western. 

Notables: 

• Adedo recorded a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals. 

• Carlson posted a career-high 10 points while adding six rebounds. 

• Bethel filled the stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, five assists, and one steal. 

• The Bulldogs outrebounded the Bears 42-35. 

Up Next  The Bulldogs secured the fourth seed in the Frontier Conference Tournament and will face the fifth seed Rocky Mountain College on March 2 at the Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.