In a stunning turn of events, Eastern Washington traveled to Dahlberg Arena and handed Montana a devastating 82-74 loss, pulling off a significant upset that will surely send shockwaves through the college basketball world. The Eagles, ranked 265 in the net rankings, took down the 155th-ranked Grizzlies, defying the pre-game prediction that had Montana winning by 9.3 points. Instead, Eastern Washington emerged victorious, securing an 8-point margin that will undoubtedly boost their resume.
The game was closely contested in the first half, with Montana taking a slim 36-34 lead into the break. However, Eastern Washington came out firing in the second half, outscoring the Grizzlies 48-38 to seal the win. Kiree Huie was instrumental in the Eagles' success, posting 15 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge. Isaiah Moses and Johnny Radford also made significant contributions, with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, and 12 points, respectively.
On the other side, Money Williams was the standout performer for Montana, scoring 25 points in a valiant effort to keep his team afloat. Te'Jon Sawyer and Grant Kepley also chipped in with 13 and 11 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Eagles' second-half surge. Despite being predicted to win by nearly double digits, Montana struggled to contain Eastern Washington's offense, ultimately falling victim to the upset.
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The loss is a significant blow to Montana's tournament chances, as it counts as a Quad 4 loss. On the other hand, Eastern Washington's win is a Quad 3 victory, which will undoubtedly bolster their resume. The Eagles' current net ranking of 265 will likely see a boost, and this win could be a crucial factor in their postseason aspirations.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which had Montana winning by 9.3 points, was woefully incorrect. The actual outcome was a far cry from the predicted score of 83-73, and it's clear that Eastern Washington was underestimated. As the season enters its final stretch, this upset serves as a reminder that anything can happen on any given night in college basketball.
The implications of this result are substantial, particularly for Montana. The Grizzlies' tournament chances have taken a hit, and they must regroup and refocus to get their season back on track. For Eastern Washington, this win is a much-needed boost, and they want to build on this momentum as they push towards the postseason. With their Quad 3 win, the Eagles have significantly improved their resume, and they will be an interesting team to watch in the coming weeks.