GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Bushnell University men's basketball played a dominant second half, coming back to defeat Montana State-Northern in a neutral site contest on Saturday morning, 85-80.
After trailing 46-40 at the half, Bushnell shot 56% from the field over the final 20 minutes including a 16-for-19 effort at the free-throw line to earn their second straight victory and end their season-opening trip to Montana at 2-1.
"It was not the first half we wanted," said Head Coach Eddie Alexander, "but we responded well in the second half. We knew they would not be able to beat us if we limited them to two-point attempts. We were able to get the matchups we wanted on offense most of the game and we did a much better job of making the most of those opportunities in the second half.
Kaleb Burnett continued his hot start to the season with 25 points, hitting 9-for-10 at the charity stripe with many of them coming late to help the Beacons hold off a final push from the Lights. Through three games, Burnett is averaging 21.3 points per game.
Keenan Reckamp added 13 points for the Beacons, hitting a pair of three-pointers, while Keshawn Lewis added ten.
Montana State-Northern (1-1) was led by Luke Holocek, posting a game-high 34 points while Austin Ramos chipped in 20 on the strength of six three-pointers.
After the game assistant coach Jordan Alexander said, "We adjusted very well defensively in the second half and that changed the game. That is a very good offensive team that can make you pay from the three-point line. We took advantage of some things and got to the free throw line. I'm proud of our effort these past two games and we are excited for our home opener on Friday."
Up Next: Bushnell will play their home opener on Friday, November 6, playing host to Simpson University at 4:00 pm.