Box Score

BILLINGS, Mont. — The Crusader defense stepped up strong and clamped down on the high-scoring Yellowjackets on Saturday night.

Unfortunately, foul trouble thwarted Northwest Nazarene's efforts as NNU led late by couldn't hold on, falling 77-72 at Montana State Billings in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.

"We battled for 40 minutes," NNU head coach Scott Flemming said, adding, "there were so many fouls called that we struggled with foul trouble all night."

The Crusaders battled with Kaileb Rodriguez, Maurice Jones and Carlos Garcia all on the bench late.

Rodriguez fouled out after giving NNU (5-7 overall, 2-4 GNAC) a 56-53 lead with 5 minutes to play, and Jones was forced to sit after he put the Crusaders on top 58-57 with 4 minutes remaining.

With two NNU starters on the bench, the host 'Jackets built a slim 66-60 lead, then held on late against a stingy Crusader squad.

NNU held MSU Billings to just 77 points and 41.4 percent shooting after the Yellowjackets rolled off 107 points and 100 points in back-to-back wins last weekend.

And the Crusaders clamped down after trailing 25-15 with 5 minutes left in the first half, going on an 18-4 run capped by a Pol Olivier 3-pointer that put the Crusaders on top 33-29 with 3 minutes gone in the second half.

Two Jones' free throws with 7 minutes left gave NNU its largest lead, up 52-46, before MSU Billings chipped away.

"We made a few mental mistakes at crucial times, though we still had a shot to win the game," Flemming said.

"There were many positives, but we have to be able to finish games like this," NNU's coach added.

Jones led NNU with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Bouna N'Diaye added 14 points and 11 boards in the setback. Rodriguez and Olivier each scored 13 for the Crusaders, who return home Thursday to host St. Martin's at the Johnson Sports Center at 7 p.m.