ISU Falls at Montana in Big Sky Opener

 
POCATELLO, Idaho- Ethan Telfair scored 19 points and Brandon Boyd added 15 in a 74-62 loss at the University of Montana on Thursday evening at Dahlberg Arena. Montana led the entire game in the Big Sky Conference opener.

Idaho State shot 38 percent from the field while Montana shot 50.8 percent. ISU was out rebounded 36-31. The Bengals were 12-14 from the free throw line and 8-21 from the three-point line. Montana was 5-8 from the free throw line and 9-28 from behind the arc.

"I think Montana is pretty good," Idaho State coach Bill Evans said. "We couldn't keep them out of the lane and that was a worry to begin with. We played a lot of zone and we shouldn't give that up."

Telfair scored his 19 points on six of 14 shooting. He was 3-3 from the three-point line. He had three assists, three rebounds and two steals.

Boyd scored his 15 points on five of 13 shooting. He had a career-high seven rebounds and three assists. Novak Topalovic also had seven rebounds and two blocks.

The Bengals hung close early, trailing 10-9 with 12:30 left in the first half after two free throws by Geno Luzcando. Montana built a 25-14 lead four minute later but a run by ISU cut the UM lead to 27-25 with 5:37 to play in the half after a three-point play Telfair.

Montana then took a 42-28 lead and led 42-32 at halftime. ISU opened the second half by cutting the Griz lead to 42-39 with 17:41 to play.

Montana then built a double-digit lead and led by as many as 20 points late in the game.
"They got too many easy baskets against us tonight," Evans said. "I don't think we played very good and you have to give Montana credit."

Idaho State plays at Montana State on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. The Bengals then host Weber State on January 7 at 7 p.m. at ICCU Court in Holt Arena.

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