POCATELLO, Idaho- Despite a furious second half rally after trailing by 14 points in the second half, the Idaho State men's basketball team dropped a 77-74 contest to Montana on Thursday evening in Reed Gym. The Griz, who are now 7-1 in Big Sky play led for all but 14 seconds of the game.
Idaho State trailed 75-73 when
Tarik Cool was fouled with nine seconds left. Cool made the first but missed the second. The Bengals grabbed the rebound but the last second attempt by
Chidi Udengwu to win the game fell short, allowing Montana to earn the three-point win.
Montana led 41-29 at halftime and led by as many as 14 points late in the half.
In the second half, the Bengals caught fire offensively and held down the Griz offense. Idaho State shot 30.8 percent in the first half and 57.7 percent in the final 20 minutes. Montana shot 61.5 percent in the first half and was held to 37.5 shooting in the second half.
ISU cut its deficit to single digits at 47-38 with 17:08 to play in the game after a basket by
Chier Maker. Idaho State tied the game at 54 with 11:26 left in the game after a basket by Udengwu. Montana would then go on a 7-0 run to lead 61-54 two minutes later.
Idaho State was able to get within one point at 69-68 after a free throw by
Malik Porter with 4:09 left in the game. That would be the closest the Bengals would get until the final seconds.
The Bengals had five guys score in double figures led by a career-high 14 from Porter.
Jared Stutzman had 13 while Maker and
Austin Smellie each scored 12. Cool added 10 points.
Idaho State out rebounded Montana 34-28. Porter led the way with a game-high seven while Stutzman added six.
Idaho State was 25-34 from the foul line while Montana was 16-19.
Idaho State hosts Montana State on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Reed Gym.
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