Mustangs Fall to Havre in First Home Game

The Malta Mustangs basketball team fell to the Class A Havre Blue Ponies last Tuesday, December 12, in Malta.

The Mustangs were led by Bodhi Brenden who had 24 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Treyton Wilke poured in 22 points and had eight assists, five rebounds, and two steals. Carson Ottinger had seven points. Mason Simanton had six points and 14 points. Dawson Hammond had six points, six assists, and four rebounds. Duke Williamson had three points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Malta won the battle of the boards, grabbing 33 rebounds, while Havre had 22, but Malta turned the ball over 18 times. The Mustangs got to the free throw line for eight attempts and made three shots (37.5%). Havre made 13-of-15 (86.7%) of their free throw attempts. Havre shot slightly better from three point range, making 11-of-23 (47.8%), while Malta was 9-of-24 (37.5%).

Malta was up 20-14 late in the first quarter, but the Blue Ponies scored the last four points in the frame. The Blue Ponies outscored the Mustangs 21-12 in the second quarter and had a 39-32 lead at halftime. Malta gained some ground in the third quarter, scoring 22, while holding Havre to 18. Malta tied the game 65-64 thanks to a layup from Wilke, but a technical foul was called after the play. The Blue Ponies made both penalty shots, followed by a three pointer on the possession. Havre finished the game on a 14-3 run.

Malta will travel to Roy to take on the Roy-Winifred Outlaws on Thursday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. after the M-ettes’ game at 6 p.m. The Malta teams will then host the Fairview Warriors in the last game of 2023 on Friday, December 22. Varsity games start at 6 p.m.