BILLINGS, Mont. -- The University of Nebraska at Omaha overcame an early 16-point deficit, with five players scoring in double figures, to defeat Montana State-Billings, 88-77, Saturday afternoon at Alterowitz Gym.
After chipping into the 16-point margin, UNO (10-1) trailed the host Yellowjackets (0-9) by 13 with 8:21 remaining in the first half. But a 3-pointer by
Michael Jenkins sparked a 14-2 run over the next three minutes that allowed the Mavs to pull within one. A
Nate Owen jumper with 1:24 left gave UNO its first lead since the opening minute, but a 3-pointer by MSUB's Aaron Terry gave the Yellowjackets (0-9) a 47-46 lead at halftime.
Owen, who played the entire second half in relief of an injured
Andrew Bridger, started the second-half scoring, giving UNO a lead it would not relinquish. Owen finished with a season-high 12 points, adding three assists. Bridger was diagnosed with a concussion and will miss Sunday's game.
Jerry Bennett led the Mavericks with 17 points, adding 11 rebounds for his first double-double at UNO.
Denny Johnston pulled down a career-high 13 boards, scoring eight points. The Mavs outrebounded the Yellowjackets, 50-37.
Justin Petersen scored 14 for UNO, followed by Jenkins with 13 and
Mitch Albers with 11.
Terry was the game's high scorer, dropping 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 3-for-5 on 3-point tries.
The Mavs and Yellowjackets play again Sunday at 2 p.m. CST.
