Jan. 18, 2007
Box Score |
Postgame Press Conference Video
Pocatello, ID--Idaho State erased a 21-point first half deficit, but couldn't finish the rally as Montana escaped Reed Gym with a 90-87 decision over the Bengals Thursday night. The win pushes Montana's record to 16-1 overall, 4-0 in Big Sky play, while ISU falls to 6-9 overall, 2-1 in the league.
"It was a great comeback," said ISU head coach Jon Newlee. "We lost the game in the first five minutes. If we erase those five minutes, I think we come away with the win."
Montana got off to a quick start, taking a commanding 25-4 lead with 13:50 remaining in the first half. The Bengals then started to chip away at the 21 points lead, cutting the deficit to just four points, 32-36 with less than five minutes to play in the first half. The Lady Griz then used a 17-7 run to take a 53-39 lead into the break.
Natalie Doma started the second half of play with a quick two points in the paint, sparking a 22-6 run that gave Idaho State its first lead of the game, 61-59 with 11:39 to play. Six ties and five lead changes later, Idaho State found itself found itself down by four with 50 seconds to play.
Jeni Boesel then stole a UM inbounds play and scored to cut the lead to two points, 88-86. ISU was forced to foul, sending Dana Conway to the free throw line, where she missed both shots. Lightfoot was fouled on the alternating possession, where she connected on 1-of-2 shots at the charity stripe. UM then hit a pair of free throws and Idaho State had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but Kaylynn Fager's three-pointer fell short as Montana escaped with the victory.
"This is a long season and one loss doesn't end our year," Newlee said. "We still have a lot of games to play. I'm proud of the way our team battled back and took the lead. We played Idaho State basketball in the second half and we will build on that and prepare for Montana State on Saturday."
Lightfoot led all scores with 27 points, connecting on 7-of-13 shots from the field. She also had four threes and sunk 9-of-11 free throws. Boesel scored a career-high 23 points with five assists and three steals, while Doma netted 20 points and 15 rebounds for her 10th double-double of the season.
The Bengals shot 41.7 percent from the field compared to Montana's 49.3 mark. The Lady Griz outrebounded Idaho State 52-28, including a 19-5 edge on the offensive boards. Idaho State connected on 10 three-point field goals in the game to UM's five.
Tamara Guardipee led Montana with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Britney Lohman scored 23, while Mandy Morales helped with 17.
Idaho State continues Big Sky play at home as the team hosts Montana State (6-10, 1-3) on Saturday at 2:05 p.m.
