HELENA, MONTANA ( OCTOBER 24, 2025) - The St. Thomas University Bobcats men's basketball team pulled out a gritty 59–56 win over the Montana State University–Northern Lights on Thursday night, grinding through a defensive slugfest to earn the victory on day one of their 2025-2026 season. 

Kaleb Myersed the way for the Bobcats, pouring in a game-high 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting while grabbing 7 rebounds.  Esteban Lluberes added 14 points , including a perfect 7 for 7 from the free throw line, while Colin Nutter posted a double - double  with 12 points and 14 rebounds.  

The Bobcats dominated the glass, out - rebounding MSU–Northern 49 - 34 including 16 offensive boards hat translated into 12 second chance points.  Despite shooting 33.9% from the field, St. Thomas found ways to capitalize on hustle plays and timely buckets.

Defensively, St. Thomas limited the Lights to 35.5%  shooting and only 23.1 % from three point range. The Bobcats also forced 13 turnovers, holding Montana State–Northern to  cash in six free throw makes. 

For the Lights, Leon Sayers IV  led the offense with 16 points, while Claysen Delp chipped in 11 and Austin Ramos provided provided a spark off the bench with 10 points. MSU–Northern's bench outscored St. Thomas's 23–8, but the Bobcats' rebounding edge and toughness ultimately made the difference.

St. Thomas led by as many as eight points in the first half, but Montana State–Northern battled back to take a brief lead early in the second before the Bobcats clamped down defensively in the closing minutes.

With the win, the Bobcats improve to 1-0 on the season and look to keep the momentum rolling as they face Caroll College tomorrow, Saturday, October 25th. 

Tip off is set for 6PM.