Dec. 3, 2008
Final Stats
Complete Montana Western Box Score 
Pocatello, ID--Idaho State defended its home court by hitting the sweet spot on 19-6 run, headed by Senior Michelle Grohs who posted 12 points, to never look back as the Bengals defeated Montana Western 83-60 in ISU's first home game of the season after returning from a seven game road streak. The Bengals shot well in the match up posting their highest field goal percentage of the year with a 56.6 percent accuracy. Idaho State improves to 3-5 for the season while Montana Western posts a 4-4 record.
The Bengals played a well-rounded game as they opened up their shot selection giving their talents at the three-point range a chance to shine as well as displaying ISU's ability to post a strong offensive threat inside. ISU was 5-for-8 from the arc, 62.5 percent, for the first half alone, helped by senior Michelle Grohs who posted a perfect 3-for-3 effort.
The Bengals started off strong catching as Montana Western posted small streaks to post their biggest lead of two points with 4:49 left in the first half. After a strategic ISU timeout by head coach Sobolewski, the Bengals sparked a 19-6 run, that began from an open three by Grohs.
"When we needed a big shot Michelle hit it," said head coach Seton Sobolewski. "Then as a coach I felt comfortable setting something up for her, when it was 22-20, Michelle got an open shot and she knocked down a three. She plays well at home."
Swing player Grohs left her mark on the run, sparking it with a three and ending it with a jumper to record 12 points in just over four minutes. The run was also influenced by a solid Bengal defense that made good shot selection difficult for the Bulldogs as ISU increased its trapping and pressing effort. The Bengals recorded an 11-point lead at the half, Idaho State's largest of the season.
Three Bengals posted double-digits in scoring. Grohs had a solid first half missing only one shot the entire half to record 6-of-7 from the field and she also made good at the free throw line going 2-for-2 to capture 17 points in the first period alone. She would record 19 points at the final buzzer. Grohs was one rebound shy of a double-double as she pulled down six defensive and three offensive.
Guards sophomore Chelsea Pickering and Sheila Adams posted 13 and 11 points respectively , both posting career-highs. Pickering was 5-for-9 in the field going 1-of-2 from the arc while Adams was 4-of-7 from the field and 1-for-3 at the arc. Both were perfect at the line hitting 2-of-2 each. They guards also shared stats in steals and assists at two apiece.
It was smooth sailing from the half as ISU recorded 44 points in the second and was 16-of-26 from the field, 61.5 percent. The Bengals also saw extended time at the free-throw line in which they had not been seeing much. Idaho State recorded a perfect 6-for-6 effort in the first followed by 10-for-12 in the second to post 16-of-18, 88.9 percent, at the charity line, nearly equalizing ISU's opportunities in their last two games combined. Five Bengals were perfect at the free throw line. Senior Brown drained 4-of-4 at the line to lead the team.
Idaho State created numerous scoring opportunities for its teammates as the Bengals opened the field with quick and sharp passes. The Bengals recorded 24 assists, the team-high for the season and senior Jenna Brown tied her career-high of nine assists she first posted in 2007 against Kennesaw State.
"You didn't see a lot of selfishness, they moved the ball and they got it to open people," said Sobolewski. "I think that is a reflection of their personalities as individuals. I think they were smart in terms of moving the ball and getting it to the open person."
Montana Western had three players to record double-digits in scoring as well with Alysa Brown, Chloe Mosey, and Jamie Lake recording 11, 10 and 13 points each. Brown and Mosey led the Bulldogs with eight rebounds each.
Bengals were out rebounded 33-30 as Montana Western controlled the offensive rebound 16-18, taking away the Bengals second chance shots of which ISU posted eight. Idaho State however was on the charge as they pushed the pace throughout the game and scored four fast break points off of steals near its opponent's basket.
Idaho State's next game will also be at home as the Bengals take on Wyoming Saturday, December 6 at Reed Gym. Tip-off begins at 2:05 p.m.
