Jan. 15, 2004
Box Score
Missoula, MT -- Idaho State trailed by 26 at the half and made a valiant comeback attempt, but a horrid 6-for-25 night at the line did in any comeback hopes as the Bengals lost their first Big Sky game of the season, 91-76 to Montana at Dahlberg Arena.
Idaho State's loss coupled with Northern Arizona's loss to Eastern Washington means that all eight Big Sky teams have at least one loss, and only Weber State is without a win after a 61-48 loss to Montana State.
Montana opened the game hot, hitting five-of-six, and ISU went on an early six minute drought as the Griz opened a 20-6 lead. Montana extended the lead as ISU went scoreless from the foul line, going 0-for-6, and led 46-24 at the break. Down 26, ISU made a run at Montana, ending with a long Doug D'Amore three-pointer that cut the lead to 10, but Idaho State could get no closer.
"Philosophically we didn't deserve to win the ballgame," said head coach Doug Oliver. "We didn't play hard enough or well enough to win."
Compounding ISU's poor performance from the free throw line was Montana's strong performance there, going 28-for-36, including a whopping 25-for-29 in the second half.
"Going 6-for-25 in embarrassing for Idaho State basketball. We made an effort to get back in it, but you have to persevere through the tough times and be mentally tough when you get opportunities to score points," added Oliver. "We didn't do that tonight."
The Bengals were led by Scott Henry, who had 24 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the year, and Marquis Poole also had 24 points with 12 assists for a double-double for him as well. Idaho State was outrebounded 51-30, but dished out 20 assists to only nine turnovers. Montana shot 55% for the game, including 67% in the first half. The Bengals now travel to Bozeman to take on conference co-leader Montana State at 7:05 pm on Saturday night.
Said Oliver of the 10-6 Bobcats, "MSU is playing the game of basketball better than any team in the conference. They are smart, they have confidence, they are having a lot of fun, and they beat a good Weber State team tonight."
-ISU-
