Balanced scoring and a strong defensive presence helped Glacier pull away in the second half for a win over Bozeman Friday.

Four players scored in double-figures and the Wolfpack powered to a 51-36 victory over the Hawks at the Wolf Den. 

“Our kids did a really nice job of settling in in that second half, especially on the defensive end,” second-year Wolfpack coach Evan Epperly said. “Really pleased with our defensive energy, that’s where we hang our hat and our boys did a great job there tonight.” 

Ethan Kastelitz led the way for Glacier (2-1) with 12 points, while Asher Knopik tallied 11. Cooper Pelc and Carter Knopik each added 10. 

Braxton Black led the way for the Hawks (0-3) with 10 points. 

Trailing 16-11 after the first quarter, Glacier outscored Bozeman 40-20 over the final three frames. 

Asher Knopik knocked down a triple late in the second quarter to tie the game at 21 headed into the half. Out of the break, the Wolfpack kept up the momentum with nine quick points in the first minute of the third — highlighted by an and-one layup from Kastelitz off a steal. 

“I love how our kids compete. They bring it,” Epperly said. “The intensity is there. The physicality is there. They really take pride in it and as a coach it is just really fun to watch.” 

After Black scored to stop the 10-0 run, Pelc quickly added another basket for the Wolfpack to grow the lead to 32-23. 

After both teams struggled from the field late in the quarter, Glacier took a 34-25 lead into the final frame. 

Will Benne cut the deficit to 35-28 early in the fourth on a three-point play, but the Hawks got no closer. 

Carter Knopik ended a 6-minute drought from the field soon after, then Pelc and Tate Kahler ballooned Glacier’s lead to 41-28. 

“During the first half we battled turnovers and struggled with sharing the ball, but I feel like in the second half we came out with a spark,” Carter Knopik said. 

Tempers flared with 3:40 left as Jack Oberly and Carter Knopik got tied up in the paint. Oberly was called for a foul and was then shoved down by Asher Knopik, prompting officials to send both teams to their benches. After a discussion, Asher Knopik and Black were given offsetting technicals. 

Cooler heads prevailed through the rest of the game as Blake Pittman put in a lay-up to give the Wolfpack their biggest lead of the night, 51-34. 

“It’s been a good start, it hasn’t been perfect, we have things that we need to work on like everyone else,” Epperly said. “Our kids are doing a nice job of playing our style and playing hard, and you can win games doing that. It’s a good start and we just have to keep getting better.” 

Glacier is back on the court Saturday against Gallatin with tip-off set for noon. 

Bozeman    16    5    4    11    -    36 

Glacier    11    10    13    17    -    51

BOZEMAN — Evan Hughen 2 0-0 4, John Benne 1 0-0 2, Braxton Black 4 0-1 10, Freddy Friedman 0 0-0 0, Will Benne 2 1-1 5, Jack Oberly 1 1-2 3, Tate Wiehardt 0 0-0 0, Rex Drake 2 0-0 5, Macrae Engler 0 0-0 0, Tucker Scott 0 0-0 0. Totals 14 2-4 36. 

GLACIER — Cooper Pelc 5 0-0 10, Ethan Kastelitz 2 7-7 12, Tate Kahler 2 0-0 4, Hudson Kastelitz 0 0-0 0, Talis Pitts 0 0-0 0, Blake Pittman 1 0-0 2, Dylan Banzet 1 0-0 2, Asher Knopik 4 2-2 11, Carter Knopik 2 5-6 10. Totals 17 15-16 51. 

3-point goals — Bozeman 3 (Black 2, Drake), Glacier 3 (E Kastelitz, A Knopik, C Knopik). Fouls — Bozeman 15, Glacier 13. Fouled out — none. Technical fouls — Black, A Knopik.