Feb. 21, 2009
Final Stats
Complete Montana Box Score 
Pocatello, ID--Idaho State kept up with Montana until the Grizzlies posted a 1-12 run in the final 4:35 of the first half to never look back as they led the Bengals by increasing double-figures for the rest of the contest to defeat the Bengals 73-39 at Reed Gym on senior night Saturday afternoon. Idaho State's seniors Jenna Brown and Michelle Grohs led the Bengals during their final contests at home in their careers with 11 points each. Grohs recorded her eighth double-double for the season as she pulled down 11 rebounds, three on offense.
The Bengals struggled offensively shooting 28.1 percent for the night due to Montana's zone defense. Idaho State could not penetrate the inside and so shot from beyond the arc for 42 percent of their attempts, however the Bengals were cold they converted 25 percent of their shots making just six for the game.
"The thing with Montana is not only do they run a zone defense, make you shoot a lot of outside shots, but they are really good at it," said head coach Seton Sobolewski. "They are running a zone offense that Robin Selvig [Montana's head coach] has been running for 30 years."
Montana's Sonya Rogers had a hot game especially from the trey hitting 6-of-10 from the arc. The guard posted the game-high 24 points as she was 9-of-16 from the field. Following a quick drive layup by Brown, Rogers ripped open the seams for Montana hitting three back-to-back treys from the right wing all assisted by senior guard Mandy Morales for three of her four assists to give the Grizzlies a 22 points lead.
Idaho State's Brown held Morales to just eight points for the game, a player who normally averages19.5 points in conference play. Montana's overall defense was solid holding Idaho State to nearly eight minutes without scoring from the 14:14 mark to the 7:27 mark as junior Devin Diehl hit a three to end the scoreless streak.
"As far as our offensive struggles we tried a lot of different things," said Sobolewski. "Bottom line is if you can't handle the ball under pressure or consistently knock down some outside shots then you are going to struggle."
Montana's defensive effort combined with Idaho State offensive struggles resulted in the Bengals lowest halftime score of 16 for the season, its lowest game score of 39 for the season and tied Idaho State's eight lowest scoring game in school history.
The Grizzlies however, proved nearly unstoppable as at posted its largest lead of 34 points three times in the final 3:21 seconds of play until it ended the contest with that margin. Montana's Lauren Beck chipped in 10 points for the Griz with her quick catch and release jumper. She was 5-for-7 from the field and attempting one trey.
Britney Lohman recorded 11 rebounds for Montana matching Grohs for the game-high. Idaho State was outrebounded 47-38, overcome by two on the offensive end as ISU recorded 14. Iacovita posted eight rebounds, the second most for the game.
The Bengals struggled with turnovers recording 20 to Montana's 12 and the Griz took advantage earning 23 points off turnovers while ISU posted five. Montana earned 15 points from turnovers in the first half alone. Montana's fast paced offense also earned them 10 points from fast breaks.
Montana improves to 12-1 in Big Sky play to tie Portland State for the conference leader position with the Vikings leading in the tie breaker scenario. Idaho State falls to 5-8 in the Big Sky Conference tying for fifth with Eastern Washington and Northern Arizona. Montana is 23-4 while Idaho State is 8-18 for the season.
The Bengals hit the road for their final three contests beginning at Sacramento State on Thursday, February 26 at Colberg Court. Tip off begins at 7:05 p.m.
