Box Score
POCATELLO, Idaho- A rally in the final four minutes of regulation came up just short as the Idaho State men's basketball team lost, 62-61, to Montana Saturday night at Dahlberg Arena. The Bengals are 10-15 and 7-9 in Big Sky Conference play while Montana improved to 14-11 and 9-7 in league.
The Bengals trailed 61-53 with 3:38 left in the game.
Tomas Sanchez hit a 3-pointer and
Chris Hansen converted on a layup with 1:35 remaining to cut the ISU deficit to 61-58. Hansen then made two free throws with 57 seconds to bring the Bengals within one point at 61-60.
Montana made one of two free throws with 26 seconds remaining to take a 62-60 lead. Idaho State had a chance to send the game into overtime but was only able to convert on one of two free throws in the final second to give the Grizzlies the 62-61 win
"We got stops and made baskets," Idaho State coach
Bill Evans said on the teams' run in the final minutes. "That is what it is about. Our guys were willing to step up and make big plays."
Idaho State shot 46.3 percent from the field and 57.9 percent in the second half. Sanchez had 17 points and Hansen and
Andre Hatchett had 13 points.
Jeffrey Solarin had 10 points and nine rebounds.
ISU out rebounded Montana 29-26 and had only nine turnovers. Montana shot 44.7 percent for the game and was led by 15 points from Mario Dunn.
Idaho State trailed 28-24 at halftime.
"Our guys played hard in a tough place to play," Evans said. "I am proud of their effort. Montana is a great program with great tradition."
The Bengals play their final two home games of the 2013-14 season on Thursday, February 27 vs. Northern Arizona and Saturday, March 1, vs. Sacramento State. Both games begin at 7 p.m. in Reed Gym.
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