Mustang Basketball: Malta suffers tough loss to Glasgow; Destroys Poplar 61-24

The Malta Mustangs lost a tough game to the Glasgow Scotties for the second time this season. The final score was 56-43.

Malta was led by Allen Williamson, who had 23 points and an explosive game in the paint.

Nate Costin scored 13 points. Costin had both of Malta's only treys in the game.

Jeremy Costin, Tyson Carney and Ostin Welch had two points in the loss.

For Glasgow Chase Fossum had 14 points. Keil Krumweide knocked down three treys and had 13 points. Jake Kolstad had a pair of treys and 12 points total. Jason Thibault scored eight. Jake Page scored seven points and Zach Miller added two points.

Malta defended Glasgow tough in the paint, which slowed down Fossum's production.

It came with a cost, as the team gave up many uncontested three pointers. Glasgow converted five treys, but had several more attempts that were turned into second chance buckets.

Glasgow also scored at key moments of the game, particularly at the free throw line.

Glasgow got to the line often, knocking down 13 of 15 shots (87%). Ten of those attempts came in the fourth quarter.

Malta fared well at the charity stripe as well knocking down 9 of 12 shots, however the team only made it to the line three times in the fourth quarter for four shots.

In order to hang with Glasgow, many knew the game would come down to perimeter shooting.

While Malta did put up a good effort, Glasgow was able to wear out and confuse the Mustangs' zone defense, to the point that shooters got open.

Malta's lack of offense around the perimeter may come back to haunt them in the post-season, if they can't answer against sharp-shooting teams like Glasgow, Rocky Boy and Wolf Point.

Malta faced off against Poplar on Saturday night, who had just defeated Wolf Point, one night prior.

Malta, having lost to Wolf Point, knew that the game would give them a good test to see where they stood.

Malta passed the test with flying colors, defeating Poplar in Poplar, 61-24.

Nate Costin led the team with 18 points. Jeremy Costin had 10 points. Both Williamson and Welch scored eight points a piece. Galt added six points. Both carney and Devon Raybon had four points a pieces. Cru Darrah had three points.

Malta did not surrender over eight points in any given quarter, while scoring in double digits in each period.

Malta has two chances to avenge losses as they travel to Wolf Point this Saturday to take on the Wolves at 5:30 p.m.

The team will then travel to Lewistown to take on the Fergus Golden Eagles. The game is set to start at 7 p.m.