Feb. 3, 2005
Final Stats
Bozeman, MT -- Montana State, after hitting no three-pointers in the first half, were the complete opposite in the second, hitting seven as Montana State pulled away after a halftime to for a 71-54 win over Idaho State.
The Bobcats, who were 0-for-9 in the opening half from the three-point line, hit 7-of-14 in the second half as MSU pulled away after a 30-30 halftime tie. The Bengals took a quick second half lead, and the game stayed tight until the 11:20 mark of the second half.
Logan Kinghorn hit a short jumper following an Arzelle Lewis three-pointer cutting the lead to 45-43 with 11:20 to go, but Nick Dissly recorded three straight steals, hit a three and slammed a breakaway dunk, one of MSU's five on the night, putting the Bobcats up 54-43 with just over eight minutes to play. Montana State eventually pushed it to a 19-2 run, going up 64-45 with 5:19 left, effectively ending all the suspense.
The game was a tight defensive affair throughout the first half, with ISU leading 30-27 until a late foul on a three-point attempt let Carson Durr go to the line with 1.8 left, and he hit all three free throws to knot the game at 30.
Idaho State struggled throughout most of the game in foul trouble, especially in the post. Jeff Gardner led the Bengals with 13 points, and Nate Rede added 11. Nick Dissly had 18 to lead four Bobcats in double figures.
Notes: Idaho State was almost without the services of their longtime trainer Phil Luckey, who fell ill on the trip. However, after a quick trip to local hospital, Luckey rejoined the team and worked the game from his usual spot on the bench ... the game was the first game of the season for Idaho State that was tied at the half ... the game was played on Montana State head coach Mick Durham's birthday, and he improved to 4-0 on that day ... ISU lost their first televised game of the year ... the Bengals forced 24 turnovers, but were outrebounded in the second half 24-11.
