BISMARCK, N.D. – Bismarck State men's basketball delivered a statement performance Saturday night at the BSC Armory, earning its first NAIA victory with an 83–73 Frontier Conference win over (RV) Bellevue (Neb.).
Bellevue (14-3, 9-2 Frontier) entered the contest receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 and sitting near the top of the Frontier Conference standings, bringing one of the league's most complete teams into Bismarck. The Bruins showed why early, knocking down nine three-pointers in the first half and using perimeter shooting to take a 38–34 lead into the break.
Bismarck State (1-16, 1-10 Frontier) stayed composed despite Bellevue's hot start, shooting 48 percent from the field in the opening half and keeping the game within reach behind steady ball movement and timely scoring in the paint.
The Mystics flipped the script coming out of halftime, turning in their strongest offensive stretch of the season. BSC shot a remarkable 64.3 percent in the second half and outscored Bellevue 49–35, taking control with aggressive drives, interior scoring and improved defensive pressure.
"This was a big one for our program,"I thought our guys showed a lot of toughness and belief, especially in the second half. To earn our first win against a team like that says a lot about the growth of this group."
Bismarck State seized the lead midway through the second half and continued to build separation as the minutes ticked away, pushing the margin into double digits late and closing out the win at the free-throw line to secure the milestone victory.
Jah Gulley led the Mystics with a game-high 26 points, connecting on five three-pointers and going a perfect 5-for-5 from the stripe. Houston Davis recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Alex Proctor added 13 points, three assists and two blocks. Carter Zeller provided a major boost off the bench with 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting.
Bismarck State finished the night shooting 56.6 percent from the field and out-rebounded Bellevue 32–22, holding the Bruins to just five made three-pointers in the second half after allowing nine before halftime.
Ahamad Bynum paced Bellevue with 21 points, all in the first half, while JJ Montgomery added 15 and Jermaine Haliburton chipped in 11 off the bench.
The Mystics will look to build off Saturday's performance as they continue Frontier Conference play next weekend, as they hit the road for a pair of in-state matchups with Valley City State (5-11, 1-10) and Mayville State (5-9, 1-8) on Jan. 16 and 17, respectively. Both games tip off at 7 p.m.
Check out the men's schedule for information on how to follow and watch the team during their upcoming games.
Be sure to visit BSCMystics.com and download the MysticNation app to continue to stay up to date with everything going on in Mystic Athletics.
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