University of Montana Western Press Release
DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (9-5) opened Frontier Conference play with a victory against the Montana State University Northern Lights (6-8) 58-42 this afternoon.
"Our guys competed and locked in on the defensive end for 40 minutes," Head Coach Pat Jensen said. "Really proud of their effort to get a conference road win."
Alan Kane and Kyle Gruhler each had 14 points to lead the Bulldogs in scoring.
How it Happened
The Bulldogs capitalized on seven first-half turnovers by the Lights, converting them into six points, with Kane spearheading the defensive effort with two steals.
Both teams endured a nearly four-minute scoring drought in the first half, but Kane and Gruhler provided the offensive spark for UMW, each scoring eight points to give the Bulldogs a 29-25 lead at halftime.
In the second half, the Bulldogs' defense took control, holding the Lights scoreless for seven minutes and forcing nine turnovers.
UMW also dominated the boards, outrebounding MSUN 18-13 in the second half and turning their efforts into 10 second-chance points, while limiting the Lights to none.
Abi Adedo led the Bulldogs' offense in the second half with seven of his 11 points, helping UMW secure a hard-fought victory to open conference play.
Notables
Gruhler and Kolter Merritt each led the team with seven rebounds.
Kevin Bethel was 2-2 from beyond the arc.
Kane finished the game with four assists and a game high three steals.
UMW recorded 11 steals.
The Bulldogs outscored the Lights 36-22 in the paint.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will return home as they take on Carroll College on Thursday, January 9 in the Straugh Gymnasium for a 7 p.m. tip-off.
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