SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster men's basketball came up short Thursday night, falling 73–67 to Chadron State in RMAC action at Behnken Field House.
The Griffins trailed by double digits at halftime but mounted a strong second-half push, cutting the deficit to four late before Chadron State sealed the game at the free-throw line.
Game Breakdown
First Half
Chadron State built early momentum behind perimeter shooting, taking a 37–25 lead at halftime. The Eagles shot 46.2% (12–26) from the field and knocked down 9–19 (47.4%) from three in the opening half, while Westminster shot 26.7% (8–30) and 4–20 (20.0%) from beyond the arc.
Second Half
Westminster responded with a much stronger second half, outscoring Chadron State 42–36. The Griffins shot 50.0% (15–30) from the field and 4–9 (44.4%) from three after the break, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Individual Performances
Jake Nadauld led Westminster with 13 points, adding 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Boston Painter followed with 12 points on 3–9 shooting and 5–6 at the free-throw line, while Cameron Cohn chipped in 8 points and 1 assists.
Jack Jamele and Tommy Ball each scored 8 points, and Cole Kadoguchi added 6 points and 7 rebounds.
Team Numbers
Westminster finished the night shooting 38.3% (23–60) from the field and 27.6% (8–29) from three, while winning the rebounding battle 39–31. The Griffins scored 26 bench points and held Chadron State to 18 points in the paint, but Chadron's 15 made threes proved decisive.
Big Picture
The loss moves Westminster to 7–10 overall and 2–7 in RMAC play. The Griffins will look to regroup as conference action continues this Saturday at home against South Dakota Mines.
