Grand Junction, Colo., The Mountaineers Fall to Montana State Billings on Day One of the Maverick Thanksgiving Classic.

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Montana State Billings Def. Western Colorado, 90-79.
Records: Western Colorado 1-4 | Midwestern State 7-1
Location: Grand Junction, Colo. Brownson Arena
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Montana State Billings scored first 3-0 but Western Colorado responded when Aidan McDowell knocked down two early free throws, and Tyler Halligan quickly followed by drilling a three to push the Mountaineers ahead.
• Mason Mottashed added to the momentum with a smooth three off a kick-out, and Halligan stayed hot by burying another triple to extend the early lead 11-3.
• MSB got within two 11-9 but Halligan then sliced to the rim for a layup, and Mottashed continued the strong start with a mid-range jumper.
• Jordan Kuac scored next on a controlled finish inside, followed by another tough layup from McDowell 19-13.
• David Shelia joined the scoring with a clean drive to the basket, then calmly sank a pair of free throws to maintain control 23-16. Halligan connected on another three before a few scoreless minutes.
• Joanis Koulisianis scored on a strong layup in traffic. Halligan later hit two free throws, Koulisianis knocked down a jumper, and McDowell powered in a layup through contact.
• McDowell then caught fire from the arc, drilling back-to-back threes, and Dawlton Grant capped the half with a tip-in plus the foul to stake Western to 47 points at halftime.
• In the second half, McDowell opened Western's scoring with a lay-up, Kuac with a tip-in and Halligan followed with another confident drive to the rim for two more 53-42.
• McDowell later stopped a run with a three, and Kuac added another paint finish off a sharp interior feed. With the game tightening late, McDowell calmly sank two clutch free throws, and Halligan delivered Western's final basket with a fast-break layup to reach 79 points.

COURT NOTES

• McDowell led the Mountaineers with an efficient and aggressive scoring performance, finishing with 28 points, seven rebounds and an assist.
• Halligan provided a strong all-around game, contributing 21 points, four assists and eight boards.
• Jordan Kuac added steady interior production with eight points, scoring twice on put-backs and converting multiple finishes around the rim.
• Mason Mottashed delivered seven points, knocking down a three and a mid-range jumper while also facilitating the offense throughout long stretches.