#6 Jimmies crack century mark in win over VCSU

Mason Walters (SR/Jamestown, ND) made 13 of 15 shots inside the three-point line while Cole Woodford (JR/Redwood Falls, MN) and Reid Gastner (SO/Lake City, MN) combined to make 11 shots outside the three-point line as the sixth-ranked University of Jamestown men's basketball team defeated Valley City State (N.D.) 102-86 Monday evening at Harold Newman Arena.

Woodford went 4-of-8 beyond the arc on the way to 16 first-half points as the Jimmies led 43-35 at the break. Jamestown shot 53 percent in the first half, only missing three of 14 two-point shots (79 percent).

UJ kept their first-half lead between three and nine points while only trailing for a total of 57 seconds. While Woodford was causing VCSU to guard him closely on the perimeter, Walters took advantage of opportunities down low. All six of Mason's shots inside the three-point line went through the net, including a pair of dunks that brought the Jimmie faithful to their feet.

Gastner, held to one three-pointer in the first, made four of them in the second. Jamestown hit on 10 treys in the final 20 minutes, including pair by Marc Kjos (SR/Lake City, MN).

VCSU improved on its 43 percent first-half shooting, making 55 percent after the break. Most nights that would be enough to win, but the Jimmies were knocking down shots at an even higher clip (63 percent). UJ led by no fewer than nine over the final 7:38, and went up 99-81 with 2:17 to play.

Walters finished with 34 points, followed by Woodford with 22 and Gastner with 19. Gastner was one rebound away from a double-double. Kjos (7) and Woodford (6) combined for 13 of the Jimmies' 28 assists.

The Vikings (6-6) got 16 points from Joseph Owens and 14 from Daevonte Munson.

Jamestown (9-2) returns to GPAC action Saturday at Mount Marty (S.D.) University.