The Benedictine Mesa Men's Basketball Team fell short against Montana State-Northern, losing 75-81.

In a closely contested first half, the game began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The opening moments were characterized by missed shots and tight defense until Tanner Crawford secured an offensive rebound and scored the first points with a layup, giving Benedictine Mesa a 2-0 lead. Montana State-Northern quickly responded with a layup from Jack Reardon, narrowing the gap to 4-2 as the teams exchanged missed opportunities.
 
As the period progressed, Benedictine Mesa gained momentum, highlighted by a three-pointer from Damian Zivak that extended their lead to 7-2. With some substitutions, Malik Payton added a layup, pushing the score to 9-3. The offensive pressure from Benedictine continued as Jaylin Turner converted a layup, increasing the score to 12-3. However, Montana State-Northern rallied back, with Xavier Bailey sinking free throws and Reardon scoring to close the deficit.
 
The game featured several lead changes and key performances, with both teams utilizing their benches to maintain intensity. As the period neared its end, a three-pointer from JJ Thomas brought Montana closer to Benedictine Mesa's 16-12 lead. Yet, Mesa responded with a flurry of scores, including a layup from Deven Foster, stretching their lead to 21-16. The quarter ended with both teams exchanging baskets, and Benedictine maintained a slight edge with a score of 42-40, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.

The second half delivered a back-and-forth thriller filled with momentum shifts and standout performances. Benedictine jumped ahead early with a layup from Tanner Crawford, assisted by Damian Zivak. However, Montana quickly responded with Jacob Randall scoring down low, assisted by Reardon. Reardon then tied the game at 44-44 with a layup and a free throw, followed by another layup that gave Montana a 47-44 lead, prompting Benedictine to call a timeout.
 
As play resumed, both teams battled fiercely. Malik Payton entered the game and made his presence known, knocking down key free throws and a layup to edge Benedictine back into contention. Despite a block from JJ Thomas, followed by an offensive rebound and Crawford's layup, extended Benedictine's slim lead to 55-51. Montana's Anthony Mendez and Leo Sewell kept their team close, combining for critical three-pointers to tie the game at 61-61.
 
Tension rose as both teams traded missed opportunities and turnovers. Seth Dawson sank clutch free throws, putting Benedictine ahead 63-61. Montana refused to fold, with Ashton Taylor-Franklin dunking to tie the game again at 63-all. Montana hit another three-pointer to extend the lead at 66-63 with under nine minutes to play. Defensive rebounds and fouls slowed the pace, but both teams exhibited relentless energy, setting the stage for an intense finish.
 
In the closing minutes, a layup from Reardon extended Montana's lead to 68-63. Despite a valiant effort from Benedictine, including a layup from Dawson and a jumper by Deven Foster, Montana responded. Reardon hit another three-pointer, pushing the score to 72-65. A late surge from Benedictine, highlighted by Foster's three-point shot that brought them within one at 76-75, kept the pressure on. However, Montana sealed the victory with crucial free throws from Reardon and Xavier Bailey in the dying seconds.
 
Key Players:

• Seth Dawson: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
• Tanner Crawford: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal, 1 assist
• Malik Payton: 11 points, 4 steals, 3 rebounds, 3 assists

 
Looking Ahead:
The Redhawks will be back on the court on Wednesday, December 18th, as they take on Lethbridge College at home at 3:00 PM.