Mustangs Defeat Scotties in Thriller to Start 2024

The first game of 2024 was an exciting one for the Malta Mustangs, who overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat the Glasgow Scotties 55-52 in a thriller that came down to the final buzzer last Saturday, January 6, in Malta.

Malta was led by junior Bohdi Brenden who had 19 points, as well as five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Junior Treyton Wilke had 17 points and three rebounds.

"We came out and played hard. We battled hard because they are a big team," Wilke said. "We are short, strong, and had to box out to get rebounds. That was our game plan. We had to play hard defense."

Sophomore Dawson Hammond had 13 points, three rebounds, and three steals. Duke Williamson had six points, four rebounds, and four steals. Carson Ottinger had eight rebounds and drew three offensive fouls.

Though he was held scoreless, Ottinger had the important task of going against 6-6 post Cade Hudyma, who had 11 points. He was asked what it was like going up against Hudyma.

"It's tough but you just have to battle," Ottinger said. "You just have to watch what they are doing and you have to react, and I think I did a good job of reacting and staying ahead of where he was going."

The Scotties were led by Wyat Babb, who had a game-leading 28 points.

"It's always good to beat the Glasgow Scotties," Wilke said. "It's always a fun game and it's always going to be intense at the end. It's a fun game to play."

Glasgow was able to build their lead by scoring in the paint during the second half of the first quarter, while also using their length in their zone defense. Glasgow led 18-7 at the first quarter. The Scotties scored the opening bucket of the second quarter and saw their biggest lead of the game (13) with 7:34 remaining. The teams traded buckets, but Malta outscored Glasgow 17-12 in the second quarter, and the hometeam found themselves down 30-24 at halftime.

Down 40-33 late in the third quarter, Malta was able to respond as Brenden found Wilke in the paint for a contested layup. Though Glasgow grabbed two offensive boards on the next possession, Ottinger was able to steal a pass inside. No bucket was made, but on Glasgow's next possession, Williamson was able to deflect and steal a pass to the top of the key. During that possession, Brenden found Wilke for a bucket on an inbound pass. Glasgow's lead was 40-37.

Williamson was able to steal a pass inside with 1:05 left in the third quarter, which led to a two-point shot in transition in which Wilke was fouled. Wilke converted the shot and free throw. The score was 40-39.

Glasgow was fouled on the next possession, but couldn't convert the double-bonus.

Ottinger found Brenden for a three pointer, which gave Malta their first lead since early in the first quarter, sending the crowd in a cheer. The score was 43-40 Malta, with 29 seconds left in the third quarter. Glasgow was able to respond with a fade away jumper before time expired in the half. Malta led 43-42 going into halftime.

Glasgow gained a lead of 46-43 early into the fourth quarter. Malta was able to tie the game 46-all after a Brenden steal and pass, lead to a fastbreak layup and-one by Hammond.

On Glasgow's next possession, Brenden stole the ball again, and took it coast to coast for a layup, putting Malta up 48-46 with 5:09 left in the game.

Glasgow responded with a bucket inside by Hudyma.

A couple of possessions later, Ottinger took a charge while defending in the paint. Malta was unable to score.

A bucket by Babb put Glasgow up 50-48 with 3:51 remaining.

With 3:20 remaining, Hammond was able to intercept a pass and run down the court for a layup, tying the game 50-all.

Williamson provided Malta with another steal with 2:43 on the clock, which led to a Brenden assist in which Williamson scored in the paint. Malta led 52-50.

The Scotties did not go away, as Toryn Richards scored a two point field goal after an offensive board with 1:20 left. The game was again tied.

Brenden hit a mid-range jumper around a screen by Wilke on Malta's next possession, giving the Mustangs a 54-52 lead with 52 seconds left. Glasgow missed a field goal on their next possession.

After a couple of Scottie fouls, Wilke was sent to the free throw line, where he split the pair, putting Malta up 55-52 with 12 seconds left.

The Scotties were able to house up a deep three point attempt but the shot hit glass and the game concluded.

Malta is scheduled to face the Wolf Point Wolves in Wolf Point on Friday, January 12. The JV boys will play at 3 p.m. and the Varsity will play at 6 p.m. The team will then host the Fergus Golden Eagles on Saturday, January 13. JV starts at 4 p.m. and Varsity starts at 7 p.m.