Lustig achieves personal best in away defeat against No. 11 Montana Tech
Senior player John Lustig showcased his skills in LC State’s recent game against the No. 11 Montana Tech team, setting a career high in scoring. Despite his exceptional performance, the Warriors faced an 83-70 loss at the Best Western Tip-Off Classic. Lustig, hailing from Colfax, Washington, not only led the team in points but also in rebounds and assists. As a result of this defeat, LC State’s overall record stands at 2-2 for the season, with both losses coming at the hands of teams ranked in the top 12 of the NAIA division.
Following the game, coach Austin Johnson extended credit to Montana Tech for their superior performance on the court. While acknowledging the positive contributions of players like John Lustig and Grayson Hunt, the coach emphasized the need to enhance the team’s overall scoring depth. Johnson expressed disappointment with his team’s defensive and competitive display during the game but remained optimistic about working on improvements in preparation for the upcoming matches scheduled for the following weekend.
In terms of the game’s progression, LC State managed to keep pace with Montana Tech during the first half. Peyton Nordland initiated the scoring for the Warriors with a 3-pointer, and additional points from Dylan Skaife, Josh Salguero, and Lustig established a two-point lead early in the game. Lustig, Nordland, and Hunt maintained the team’s slender advantage, with a triple by Skaife helping to secure an 18-16 lead. However, Montana Tech surged ahead at the midway point of the first half, ultimately closing out the opening period with a 44-39 lead.
The second half saw John Lustig making immediate plays, narrowing the gap to 44-43 within the first minute. Despite Lustig’s efforts, Montana Tech continued to maintain their lead, capitalizing on opportunities to extend their margin beyond the reach of LC State. While players like Elijah Kersey and Salguero attempted to bring the game within reach, the Diggers managed to widen the lead, finishing the game with a final score of 83-70.
Looking ahead, the LC State team is committed to working on their weaknesses, particularly in defense and competitiveness, to ensure a stronger performance in their upcoming games. With two significant matches on the horizon, the Warriors are determined to regroup, improve their scoring depth, and showcase a more resilient and competitive spirit on the court. The loss to Montana Tech has served as a learning opportunity for the team, motivating them to strive for better results in their upcoming matchups.