73-57 Loss to CSU San Bernardino Ends MSUB Men's Basketball Weekend

The Montana State University Billings men’s basketball team wrapped up their weekend at the Tip Off Classic in Ellensburg, Washington, on Sunday with a 73-57 loss to CSU San Bernardino. While the Yellowjackets showed flashes of offensive rhythm, a persistent struggle to convert field goals—finishing at just 35.6%—ultimately allowed the Coyotes to maintain control throughout the second half. The result leaves MSUB with a 1-2 record as they look toward their home opener.

The Statistical Gap in Nicholson Arena

The game was defined by a disparity in efficiency at the charity stripe and ball security. According to the official game report via msubsports.com, the Coyotes capitalized on MSUB’s turnovers, turning them into 18 points. Perhaps more damaging was the free-throw discrepancy; CSU San Bernardino converted 22 points from the line, effectively keeping the Yellowjackets at arm’s length even when MSUB’s perimeter shooting showed signs of life.

MSUB’s effort was anchored by Connor Oertel, who led the team with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting. His performance, paired with Croix Cox’s 14-point outing, kept the game competitive through the first half. Cox, who earned Player of the Game honors for his stat-sheet-stuffing performance—contributing six rebounds, four assists, and three blocks—helped spark a brief Yellowjacket lead at 27-25 following a three-pointer from Braydon Olson with just over three minutes remaining in the first period. However, that momentum was short-lived as the Coyotes closed the half on a 7-0 run.

Second-Half Adjustments and the Road Ahead

Coming out of the locker room, the Yellowjackets managed to trim the deficit to four points early in the second half, fueled by a fast-break dunk from Croix Cox following an Oertel steal. Despite these defensive sparks, MSUB could not sustain the offensive consistency required to overcome the Coyotes’ interior defense. The team finished the game shooting 23.1% from beyond the arc, a figure they will need to improve as they transition into the next phase of their schedule.

The rebounding battle was one of the few bright spots for MSUB, as the team pulled down 39 boards. Zakai Owens led the effort on the glass with nine rebounds, while Ty Cox added eight, providing the Yellowjackets with second-chance opportunities that kept the score within reach during critical stretches. Fischer Brown also contributed significantly on the defensive end, tallying four blocks.

73-57 Loss to CSU San Bernardino Ends MSUB Men's Basketball Weekend

Looking Toward the Home Opener

For the Yellowjackets, the focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for their first home game of the season. The team is scheduled to host Westminster University at Alterowitz Gym on Monday, November 9, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. This matchup represents a crucial opportunity for MSUB to stabilize their rotation and refine their half-court execution before the early-season schedule intensifies.

The stakes for the upcoming home game are clear: after a challenging weekend in Ellensburg, the Yellowjackets are looking to build a foundation of consistency. Whether they can leverage the home-court advantage to improve their shooting percentage and tighten up their defensive transitions against Westminster will likely determine the trajectory of their early-season standing.

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