POCATELLO, Idaho – The Big Sky Conference's top team looked the part Thursday night as the University of Montana defeated Idaho State 69-51 on the Idaho Central Credit Union Court inside Reed Gym.
Kellie Rubel (23 points) led three players in double-figures as the Griz (18-7, 11-3 BSC) led the game from start to finish.
The Bengals (11-14, 6-8 BSC) quickly fell behind by double-digits after making just three field goals in the first ten minutes of the game. They would finish the half shooting 28% (7-25 FG) and trail by 11 at the break.
ISU played better offensively (30 points, 35.7% FG) in the second half but could never cut the deficit closer than nine.
Anna Lee Policicchio (11 points) and Apiphany Woods (10 points) each finished in double figures while Rebecca Schrimpsher added nine points. The Bengals have now lost four games in a row.
The defeat drops the Bengals into a three-way tie for seventh place in the conference standings with Montana State and Weber State. Southern Utah and Idaho are a half-game behind with a 5-8 record. The top eight teams in the standings make the post-season tournament.
ISU will host Montana State in a pivotal contest Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. on the ICCU Court inside Reed Gym. Â It will be Think Pink day for the Bengals in support of the Play 4Kay initiative and the fight against all forms of women's cancers.