BILLINGS, Mont. -- Ali Faruq-Bey had 11 of his team-high 19 points in the first half Monday, but it was long distance connections and defensive stops that helped host Montana State Billings get past Western Oregon 79-71 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
Down as many as 10 in the first half, MSUB (5-4, 1-1 GNAC) erased a five-point halftime deficit and finished off plays with buckets from all over the court to break a six-game losing skid in the series. Western Oregon (4-5, 1-1 GNAC) was held without a bucket for over six minutes late in the second half.
 
Western Oregon could not continue its solid offensive output of the first half into the second. The Wolves were 19 of 34 (55.9 percent) in the opening 20 minutes, but struggled to find open looks in the paint leading to just 37.9 percent in the second half on 11 of 29 shooting.
 
Faruq-Bey finished 8 of 15 from the floor for the night. Tanner Omlid was held to three points after the break, ending the game with 15 points, six assists, five rebounds, five steals and three blocks. Yanick Kulich was 7 of 11 for the night and 2 of 2 from the line to be the third WOU player in double figure with 16 points.
 
A 3-pointer, one of seven hit by MSUB in the second half, by Kendall Denham at the 12:41 mark gave the hosts a lead they would not relinquish. The Yellowjackets kept their margin hitting 9 of 15 free throws down the stretch.
 
Marc Matthews led all scorers with 20 points including four triples.
 
UP NEXT
MSUB: Hosts Rocky Mountain College on Dec. 10
Western Oregon: Returns home for finals, will host Portland Bible College on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in an exhibition contest. Admission to the game is free.