In a stunning turn of events, Montana pulled off a significant upset at Dahlberg Arena, defeating Idaho 73-68 in a conference showdown. Despite being ranked lower in the net rankings, Montana's resilience and determination paid off, handing Idaho a tough loss. The Grizzlies' victory was all the more impressive given Idaho's strong start, which saw them take a 29-19 lead into halftime.
Money Williams' 14 points mark his 10th double-digit scoring game of the season
However, Montana stormed back in the second half, outscoring Idaho 54-39 to seal the win. Money Williams led the charge for the Grizzlies, scoring 14 points, while Te'Jon Sawyer and Tyler Thompson chipped in with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Idaho's Biko Johnson was unstoppable, pouring in 22 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Montana's second-half surge.
The win was a reflection of Montana's grit and determination, and it's a significant boost to their conference standings. CHD Scout had predicted a narrow Montana win, with a margin of 1.2 points, and the Grizzlies delivered, exceeding expectations with a 5-point victory. The predicted score of 77-76 was close, but Montana's defense held strong, limiting Idaho to 68 points.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The implications of this result are substantial, particularly for Montana's tournament chances. This win marks a Quadrant 4 victory for the Grizzlies, which, while not the most prestigious, is still a crucial addition to their resume. For Idaho, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which could potentially hurt their chances of securing a favorable seed in the conference tournament.
As the season enters its final stretch, every game takes on added importance, and Montana's upset win over Idaho will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the conference. The Grizzlies' ability to bounce back from a slow start and outlast a tough opponent will serve them well in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Idaho want to regroup and refocus, knowing that they let a winnable game slip through their fingers.
The contrast between the two halves was striking, with Idaho's offense stifled by Montana's defense in the second half. The Grizzlies' ability to adjust and adapt was the difference-maker, and it ultimately led to their hard-fought victory. As the conference tournament approaches, Montana's win over Idaho will be remembered as a pivotal moment in their season, one that could potentially propel them to a strong finish.