POCATELLO, Idaho – On a night where offense was scarce, the Idaho State defense led the Bengals to a 50-34 victory over Montana in ISU's return to Reed Gym. Idaho State improved to 11-6 overall with a 6-2 mark in conference play while Montana fell to 9-8 with a 4-4 conference record.
Idaho State's defenders wreaked havoc on the on the Lady Griz, forcing 20 turnovers and collecting eight steals. Montana's 34 points was the lowest scoring output the Idaho State defense has limited a Division I opponent to in program history.
The Bengals limited the Grizzlies to a 25.9 field goal percentage and held UM to 3-21 shooting from three-point range. Meanwhile, ISU shot 33.3 percent from the floor and 35.3 percent from long range. Idaho State also tallied 13 assists on 18 baskets and narrowly trailed Montana in rebounding (39-36).
The Idaho State trio of
Grace Kenyon,
Saylair Grandon and
Callie Bourne nearly outscored Montana with 33 combined points after scoring 11 apiece. Both of ISU's seniors posted a double-double with 10 rebounds each.
Estefania Ors had an uncharacteristic night offensively, but still found a way to contribute by leading all players with five assists.
Idaho State trailed Montana until the closing seconds of the first quarter when Kenyon knocked down the first three-pointer of the game to give ISU a 9-8 lead. Back-to-back long balls from Kenyon and Bourne gave ISU the largest padding of the first half at 21-13 with two minutes remaining, but the Grizzlies made a run to narrow the differential to three at the break.
Montana threatened in the opening minutes of the third period, but was never able to regain the lead. Idaho State stretched its advantage to seven at the end of the quarter and Bourne put ISU up by double digits midway throughout the fourth. The ISU defense limited UM to just one point in the final 4:58 of the game to secure the win.
Sammy Fatkin was the only Montana player in double figures with 10 points. Emma Stockholm led the Grizzlies with nine rebounds and Jace Henderson was held to six points in 35 minutes of play.
Idaho State returns to Reed Gym Saturday afternoon to host Montana State. The Bengals and Bobcats tip at 2:05 p.m.
