Feb. 21, 2009
Final Stats
Missoula, MT --- Idaho State had never in its history defeated the Montana Grizzlies in Missoula three consecutive time in Missoula in the regular season, and that mark stayed intact as Montana broke open a 62-58 game in the final four minutes, winning 79-64, keeping ISU from clinching a conference tournament berth.
While the loss prevents ISU from having a shot at second place and a first round bye, Idaho State got the one conference road win they had to have on Thursday night, meaning ISU is now worse than tied for fourth at the end of the day, and they would host a first round game with wins over Northern Arizona and Sacramento State in Reed Gym next week.
Idaho State never led in the contest, Montana's senior night, but they hung around the entire game. Austin Kilpatrick hit four threes on the game, the final one making it 58-55, and ISU was down just 62-58 heading into the final four minutes when Amorrow Morgan was called for a charge, negating a basket. Montana came down on the ensuing possession, and Anthony Johnson started a massive parade to the line as he went 12-for-12 in the game. The Griz were thankful for that as the other players on the team went just 2-for-7. Montana was on fire for the second half, going 15-of-22 from the field.
ISU dropped to 10-18 overall and 7-7 in the Big Sky despite the fact that ISU had five in double figures and spread the ball around, shooting .520 from the field and .667 from three. Montana was equally proficient, shooting .560 from the field and .563 from three, going 9-for-16. Idaho State outrebounded the Griz 29-24, with Lucas Steijn grabbing eight. Steijn led ISU in scoring with 14, Chron Tatum had 13, Kilpatirck and Morgan had 12, and Matt Stucki added 10.
For Montana, Big Sky Player of the Year candidate Anthony Johnson dropped in 26, and added six assists. Ryan Staudacher had 12 and Kyle Sharp had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.
"I didn't think we were bad offensively, but I think Montana was really good tonight. I thought Anthony Johnson played really well, and Ryan Staudacher hit some key shots for them," said head coach Joe O'Brien. "I told the kids that they shouldn't hang their heads. We played hard and dug a hole in the first four minutes that we tried all night to get out of."
Idaho State now heads home to Reed Gym for their final two games. The games are in Reed as Holt Arena is being used for the State High School Wrestling Championships. ISU will celebrate senior night in Reed on Saturday against Northern Arizona, and they also host Sacramento State on Thursday.
NOTES: Montana had just three turnovers the whole game, one in the first half ... ISU had 14 assists and 10 turnovers ... Sherrod Baldwin missed the game with an injured ankle, although he could have played if pressed to it ... ISU it 7-7 for the third straight season.
