Free Throw with 2.1 Seconds Left Sinks Yellowjackets

Box Score

MONMOUTH, Ore. – A free throw with 2.1 seconds left in regulation by Western Oregon’s Matt Schmitt lifted the Wolves to a 72-71 victory over Montana State Billings Thursday evening.  With the loss, MSUB falls to 9-10 on the year and 4-4 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.  WOU improves to 8-11 and 2-6 in conference play as it snapped a six-game skid.

The Yellowjackets, who had a multiple six-point leads in the second half, saw the Wolves rally late with a 9-0 run to take a five point lead at 70-65 with 2:21 left.  However, the Yellowjackets would not go quietly as senior Travis Bunker hit a 28 foot 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 70-68 moments later.

The Yellowjackets had two good looks at 3-pointers to take the lead by Bunker and Michael Hall, but both rimmed out.  Schmitt pulled down a huge offensive rebound with 44 seconds left and made one of two free throws for a three point advantage.

Hall came right back with a long 3-pointer as he got his man in the air to tie the game with 19 seconds left. WOU had one last chance to win the game at the buzzer and Schmitt came up with another big offensive rebound and was fouled to setup the final free throw.

The Yellowjackets were led by 19 points from Derrick Wright who was 7 of 9 from the field and 5 of 6 from the line.  Hall chipped in 17 points on 7 of 18 from the field and 3 of 8 from downtown.  Mario Burns had 14 points and six assists as well.

Travis Kuhns led all-scorers with 20 points, while Blair Wheadon chipped in 13.  The Wolves got double-digit scoring off the bench from Schmitt and Kyle Long, with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

The biggest difference in a very even game was the discrepancy at the free throw line as the ‘Jackets were just 5 of 7 from the charity stripe, while WOU was 14 of 21 which helped it get back into the game.  In fact, WOU was 9 of 13 from the line in the second half, while MSUB was just 2 of 3.

MSUB shot an even 50 percent from the floor on 30 of 60.   The Jackets were 6 of 17 from deep and 5 of 7 from the line.  They pulled down 33 rebounds with 10 assists and 12 turnovers.  Conversely, the Wolves shot 47 percent and were 6 of 14 from deep to go along with a 14 of 21 night at the line.   WOU tallied 32 rebounds with 14 assists and 12 turnovers.

The Yellowjackets will look to rebound and are in search of their first road victory of the season Saturday at Saint Martin’s as they continue their four game road swing.