(MSU Billings release)
MONMOUTH, Ore. – The No. 14 Western Oregon Wolves (13-1, 5-1 GNAC) proved too much for the Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets (10-7, 2-4 GNAC) in a 92-68 win on Saturday night in Monmouth, Ore. After a tight first eight minutes of play the Wolves went on a 10-0 run and kept the ‘Jackets at bay for the remainder of the game.
The ‘Jackets’ only lead of the game came after Zack Rollins hit a 3-pointer to put MSUB up 3-2. Kobe Terashima’s penetrating offense buoyed the Yellowjackets’ attack and cut the Wolves’ lead to one at 18-17 before WOU closed the half on a 28-11 tear.
“We had some looks in that first half but we just weren’t able to knock them down,” head coach Jamie Stevens said after the game. “When you’re playing a top-15 team in the country you have to capitalize in those opportunities and we didn’t do that tonight. Western Oregon played great defense, their style is a lot like ours in that they get after you on the perimeter and limit those open looks. We look forward to watching the tape and getting back home for two games next week,”
Terashima led all scorers in the first half with 12 at the break while Western’s defense held Kendall Denham, Zharon Richmond and Sven Jeuschede scoreless in the first 20 minutes. MSUB shot just 2-for-10 from beyond the arc and 42.3 percent in the first half while WOU shot 61.3 percent from the field and 3 of 6 from deep.
Terashima finished the night with 17 points and a team-high six rebounds.
The Wolves depth and athleticism continued to shine in the second half as they built their lead throughout the final 20 minutes. WOU earned decisive 48-36 advantage in the paint and finished the night with 49 points off of the bench.
Daniel Shedden finished with 12 points off of the bench as MSUB recorded 43 bench-points. Hafeez Abdul picked up seven points and four rebounds in 11 minutes in the second half and Zack Lessinger scored six.
Rollins finished the night with 12 points with two makes from beyond the arc as the ‘Jackets made just six 3-pointers on the night, their second lowest total of the season.
The Wolves had 12 players score in the game and were led by 14 from Demetrius Trammell. Riley Hawken (12), Malik Morgan (11), Janvier Alaby (11), Tanner Omlid (10) and JJ Chirnside (10) all scored in double-digits in the contest as WOU finished the night shooting 63.8 percent from the field.
The ‘Jackets will return home next week to face Simon Fraser (8-6, 2-4 GNAC) and Western Washington (11-3, 6-0 GNAC) on Thursday and Saturday. Both games tip at 7:30 p.m. following the women’s contests as the ‘Jackets host a pair of doubleheaders.
