Spring Break
'Stangs Walk Over Billings
Eric Boyles
Issue date: 2/12/04 Section: Sports
"David versus Goliath" was all that could have been said when the Yellowjackets of Montana State-Billings came to Silver to face the Mustangs, and on both nights history repeated itself.
During the pre-game warm-ups, the Billings looked to overpower the Mustangs with seven players over 6-5'' in attendance, but that did not affect the Mustangs in any way. On the first night, the Mustangs came out of the gates a little sluggish, and it looked like Goliath would just run over David. But then something happened that hasn't happened in a long time for Western basketball: the Mustangs came together and the unit played as one. Every player on that court wearing a purple jersey knew that they were going to win that game that night.
Leading all scores on the night was Brendon Malone with an amazing 29; Malone could not miss, and that carried over to the other Mustangs. Matt Enriquez added an impressive 20, and Jason Jackson added 15. The scores were definitely valuable, but what was most impressive was the heart that the Mustangs played with on that night. When the fourth quarter came around, the game had turned into a shootout, and the Mustangs never backed down once. In the final seconds the Mustangs found themselves with a two-point lead, but the ball fell into the hands of Billings returning Freshman of the Year, Cameron Munoz. But, this night would belong to the Mustangs: Munoz put a last second three-pointer to win the game, but as time expired the shot fell short and the crowd erupted in applause. The final score was 89-87.
After their heart-breaking loss two nights earlier Billings came out with a vengeance. The Fieldhouse was packed to see an elated J.J. Jumper, the official mascot of the NCAA Basketball. Billings was determined to avenge their previous loss, and the game turned very physical quickly. The Mustangs knew that they were in for a fight, and basically that is what it was.
Once again, the Mustangs came out very sluggish, and Billings, led by Cameron Munoz, were as hot as coals. As the night went on, however the Mustangs heart and pure determination to win showed through. They took the lead for the final time late in the third quarter.
During the pre-game warm-ups, the Billings looked to overpower the Mustangs with seven players over 6-5'' in attendance, but that did not affect the Mustangs in any way. On the first night, the Mustangs came out of the gates a little sluggish, and it looked like Goliath would just run over David. But then something happened that hasn't happened in a long time for Western basketball: the Mustangs came together and the unit played as one. Every player on that court wearing a purple jersey knew that they were going to win that game that night.
Leading all scores on the night was Brendon Malone with an amazing 29; Malone could not miss, and that carried over to the other Mustangs. Matt Enriquez added an impressive 20, and Jason Jackson added 15. The scores were definitely valuable, but what was most impressive was the heart that the Mustangs played with on that night. When the fourth quarter came around, the game had turned into a shootout, and the Mustangs never backed down once. In the final seconds the Mustangs found themselves with a two-point lead, but the ball fell into the hands of Billings returning Freshman of the Year, Cameron Munoz. But, this night would belong to the Mustangs: Munoz put a last second three-pointer to win the game, but as time expired the shot fell short and the crowd erupted in applause. The final score was 89-87.
After their heart-breaking loss two nights earlier Billings came out with a vengeance. The Fieldhouse was packed to see an elated J.J. Jumper, the official mascot of the NCAA Basketball. Billings was determined to avenge their previous loss, and the game turned very physical quickly. The Mustangs knew that they were in for a fight, and basically that is what it was.
Once again, the Mustangs came out very sluggish, and Billings, led by Cameron Munoz, were as hot as coals. As the night went on, however the Mustangs heart and pure determination to win showed through. They took the lead for the final time late in the third quarter.
