By Rob Everingham
MALTA The top-seeded Cut Bank Wolves dropped Chinook in the first round the North-East B Divisional tournament 59-42.
Cut Bank got things started early as they jumped out to a 12-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second it was more of the same as the Wolves jumped out a 27-12 halftime lead.
Cut Bank did not let up in the third quarter as they outscored the 'Beeters 13-7.
In the fourth the Wolves finished strong and outscored Chinook 23-19.
The Wolves were led by Ross Gustafson who had 13 points. Also in double figures for Cut Bank were, Ryan Gage with 12 and Jess Davidson with 11.
None of the Chinook players broke into double figures. Justin Friede led the way with eight points.
Chinook moves into a loser out game today against Conrad.
Cut Bank will be in the semi-finals tonight against the host Malta Mustangs.
Cut Bank
59
Chinook
42
Chinook
8
4
7
23
42
Cut Bank
12
15
13
19
59
Chinook Adam Gibson 2 1-2 5; Troy Omsberg 3 0-2 7; Kevin Hansen 2 0-0 4; Justin Friede 3 0-0 8; James Steyee 0 4-4 4; Mason Roseberry 1 1-2 3; Kalled Jaha 2 0-0 4; Tyler Oehmcke 1 0-0 2; Lucas Paugh 1 0-0 3; Scott Fritz 1 0-2 2. Totals: 16 6-12.
Cut Bank Brandon Kavanagh 0 0-0 0; JC Guardipee 0 2-2 2; David Boyles 0 2-4 2; Jess Davidson 5 0-0 11; Dustin Peres 0 0-0 0; Kyle Hannah 0 0-0 0; Ryan Gage 6 0-1 12; Michael Paulson 4 1-3 9; Matt Naasz 1 0-0 2; Randon Podoll 4 0-0 8; Ross Gustafson 5 3-3 13; Brian Larson 0 0-0 0. Total fouls: Chinook 14, Cut Bank 13. Fouled out: None; Three-pointers: Davidson 1, Omsberg 1, Friede 3, Paugh 1.
