UNDATED – The Black Hills State University men’s basketball team gave it all they had, but fell a little short to West Liberty in the NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Final Four today.
The Jackets fell behind early, and trailed by 16 at the half.
However, a second half surge by the Yellowjackets got them to within five with a minute to play.
West Liberty was able to withstand the late charge and knocked down free throws to win 87-82.
Joel Scott led the Jackets with 30 points and 13 rebounds. P.J. Hayes had a big game for BHSU, knocking down 5 of 8 from beyond the three-point line and scoring 19.
The Jackets did struggle a bit from the free throw line, shooting 18 of 29, or 62%.
Malik McKinney and Bryce Butler led West Liberty with 16 points each.
BHSU, for the second year in a row, misses the National Championship game and finishes the season with a 28 and 6 record.
