BUTTE, MT – Senior John Lustig led all scorers on Saturday in LC State’s 83-70 loss to No. 11 Montana Tech at the Best Western Tip Off Classic. The Colfax, Wash., native also led the Warriors with eight rebounds and four assists.
The loss has the LC State record at 2-2 on the season with both losses at the hands of teams in the NAIA’s top 12.
“Credit to Montana Tech,” coach Austin Johnson said. “They were by far the superior team tonight. John and Grayson (Hunt) had some positive moments for us, but we’ll need to try and create more depth scoring wise. Disappointed in how we defended and competed tonight, but we’ll work to improve as we have two more big games next weekend.”
HOW IT HAPPENED
LC State matched pace with the Orediggers throughout the first half. Peyton Nordland started the night with a 3-pointer, and a jumper by Dylan Skaife started a six-point run with baskets by Josh Salguero and Lustig for a 9-4 edge at 16:17. Lustig, Nordland and Grayson Hunt kept the Warriors in front, and a triple by Skaife had the small advantage at 18-16 at 11:33.
Montana Tech took the lead for good at 9:58, but baskets by Elijah Kersey and Salguero kept the score within one, 27-26, at 6:53. The Diggers gained momentum to stretch the margin to 36-28 with 5:14 left in the half, and buckets by Brandon Suber, Lustig, Hunt had the difference at 44-39 at the break.
Lustig opened the second half with four straight points to cut the difference to 44-43 after 60 seconds. Triples by Skaife and Jamare’ Childs kept the score within six, and Hunt cut the deficit to two with a layup and two free throws at 14:42.
Montana Tech widened the gap as the second half continued. Lustig scored nine points in the final 10 minutes of the 83-70 contest.
STAT RECAP
Lustig led all scorers with 24 points on a 9-for-11 night from the field. He grabbed eight boards, dished out four assists and blocked a shot. Hunt added 14 points with six rebounds and Nordland tallied nine points.
The Warriors shot 49.2% from the field, including a 64.3% mark in the first half, and committed just eight turnovers.
UP NEXT
LC State hosts the Clearwater River Casino & Lodge Classic in the P1FCU Activity Center Nov. 14-15. The Warriors will take on Dickinson State (N.D.) and Embry-Riddle (Ariz.).
Stay up to date with all things Warrior Athletics at lcwarriors.com and on social media @LCWarriors.
