One Nation, Under God

Mustangs overcome 18 point deficit

Things were not looking too good for the Malta Mustangs in their game against the Rocky Boy Northern Stars during the first half, but the team overcame an 18-point deficit to win 42-39 in Malta.

"We just played more aggressively in the second half than we did in the first," Malta senior and team captain Ben Costin said. "We didn't have enough effort. We didn't go after the 50-50 balls at first, but then we wanted to win."

The win ended a five game losing streak.

"It feels really good," senior captain Tanner Smith said. "I think we should start the train from here and keep it rolling, going into districts and divisionals with some wins."

The Mustangs were led by Smith, who scored 15 points. Connor Tuss had ten points. Kooper Oxarart had nine points. Ben Costin had six points and Kanyon Stiles added two.

Malta struggled to score early in the game, only scoring four points in the first quarter, while Rocky Boy scored 11. Malta's disadvantage grew in the second quarter as the Northern Stars forced multiple turnovers and outscored Malta 16-7.

The Mustangs found themselves down 27-11 at halftime, when the group was encouraged by Head Coach David Costin.

"He basically said that he knew we could get back in it, but it's up to us if we really want to," Smith said. "Our effect wasn't there but after the first half it was. We went after it."

Malta's defense remained in their zone, but the team was more assertive, forcing multiple turnovers and stifling Rocky Boy's offense, which led to an 18-0 run in the third and a 29-27 lead. Rocky Boy's only third quarter score came in the final seconds of the quarter. The game was tied 29-29 at the end of the third.

Costin mentioned that the team passed more confidently in the second half. The teams seemed to switch their intensities in the second half.

"They got kind of lax with the ball and we capitalized on it," Costin said.

Costin and Smith went on to praise their teammate Pierce Mortenson, who was aggressive with and without the ball.

"Pierce made some big moves," Smith said. "When (Rocky Boy) passed into the paint, he just grabbed the ball and took it from them. He's being a man."

Malta's lead had grown to four points, but with a little over a minute remaining in the fourth period, Rocky Boy's Blake Cantrell made a layup to give his team a 37-36 lead.

Malta's Smith was fouled going for a shot with 52.7 remaining in the game. Smith made both, putting Malta backup 38-37.

A Rocky Boy athlete had a chance to take the lead with a wide open layup, but the shot hit the rim and was chased down by Oxarart. Oxarart was fouled and sent to the line for a pair of double bonus free throws, both of which were made giving Malta a 40-37 lead with 42 seconds left.

Rocky Boy's Cantrell would draw a foul on his jump shot attempt and made both shots, making it a one point game at 40-39, with 36 seconds left.

Malta's Stiles drew a foul with 23.8 seconds left, scoring the last points of the game. Rocky Boy turned the ball over on a five second violation below the free throw line with five seconds left in the game.

 

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