HELENA, MT. (NewsDakota.com) – The University of Jamestown men’s basketball team kept its season alive on Friday night with a win in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament, 84-70 over Lewis-Clark State.

The Warriors and Jimmies battled through the first twenty minutes of play, with Jamestown holding a 37-35 lead at the halftime break. Mason Walters helped keep the Jimmies in the first half, putting up 18 points and Cole Woodford knocked down a big corner three to put Jamestown ahead right before the break.

In the second half, Jamestown extended its lead to 13 points before the Warriors got back within in one, and then the Jimmies capitalized at the free throw line to pull away and keep their 2022 season going. Walters led Jamestown with 35 points and 12 rebounds as the Jimmies went 25-33 at the charity stripe. Three other Jimmies finished in double figures, including Marc Kjos who had 11 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.

Fifth year senior Brady Birch provided a spark off the bench for Jamestown in the second half, scoring all 13 of his points in the final 20 minutes. Woodford also had 10 points and two assists.

Jamestown advances to the round of 32 in the national tournament and will play on Saturday night at 8:00 pm against Carroll College. The pregame show will start at 7:30 pm on Jamestown 1071/1400, online at newsdakota.com, or on the Jamestown 1071 app.