Idaho State defeats Montana 73-69

The Idaho State Bengals, ranked 232 in the NET rankings, pulled off a stunning 73-69 upset over the Montana Grizzlies, ranked 182, in a game that will have real consequences for both teams' seed lines. This win marks a major turning point for Idaho State, who had lost all 5 of their previous games, including a 69-99 thrashing at the hands of Idaho and a 61-69 loss to Northern Colorado. Montana, on the other hand, had been averaging 72.2 points per game over their last 5 games, but their 2-3 record in that stretch had left them vulnerable to an upset. The Grizzlies' recent form had been marked by inconsistency, with losses to Montana State and Eastern Washington, and this defeat will only add to their concerns. Idaho State's 39-point first half, led by Gus Etchison's 17 points, set the tone for the rest of the game, and despite Montana's best efforts to mount a comeback, the Bengals held on for the win.

As the game wore on, it became clear that Idaho State's strategy was to shut down Montana's high-scoring offense, which had been averaging 75.6 points per game over their last 5 games. The Bengals' defense held Montana to just 37 points in the first half, and although the Grizzlies managed to score 32 points in the second half, it was too little, too late. Idaho State's own offense, which had been averaging just 68.6 points per game over their last 5 games, came alive in this matchup, with Etchison leading the charge. His 29 points, including 5 rebounds, were a major factor in the Bengals' win, and his performance will be remembered as one of the key moments in the game. Montana's Money Williams had a strong game as well, with 19 points and 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bengals' determined defense.

The stat line doesn't show the full story of Etchison's clutch shooting, which included several big shots in the second half to keep Montana at bay. Meanwhile, Montana's Brooklyn Hicks and Tyler Thompson, who had been averaging 10 points per game each, vanished in the second half, scoring just 2 points between them. Idaho State's Lachlan Brewer and Louis Bond also made significant contributions, with 11 points and 8 points, respectively, and their efforts helped to seal the win for the Bengals. As the game came to a close, it was clear that Idaho State's team effort had been the key to their success, and that this win would be a major confidence booster for the team.

The CHD Scout had predicted a Montana win by 4.4 points, but this prediction was wide of the mark.

The model had failed to account for Idaho State's newfound defensive prowess, which had been evident in their recent games, despite the losses. The Bengals' defense had been allowing an average of 84.6 points per game over their last 5 games, but in this matchup, they managed to hold Montana to just 69 points. This unexpected turn of events will have real consequences for both teams' seed lines, and will likely lead to a re-evaluation of their tournament prospects. Montana's recent form had been marked by inconsistency, and this loss will only add to their concerns. Idaho State, on the other hand, will be buoyed by this win, and want to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.

As the tournament picture begins to take shape, this win could be a major factor in Idaho State's chances of making a deep run.

The Bengals' win over Montana, a Quadrant 3 game for the Grizzlies, will help to boost their NET ranking, and could potentially move them up to a Quadrant 2 team. This, in turn, could have real consequences for their seed line, and could potentially lead to a more favorable matchup in the tournament. Montana, on the other hand, want to regroup and refocus after this loss, and must find a way to overcome their recent inconsistency if they are to make a deep run in the tournament. The Grizzlies' recent form had been marked by losses to Montana State and Eastern Washington, and this defeat will only add to their concerns. With just a few games left to play, every matchup counts, and this win will be a major factor in determining the final standings.

The implications of this game will be felt for weeks to come, as both teams look to build on this result and make a push for the tournament. Idaho State's win will be a major confidence booster for the team, and will give them the momentum they need to make a deep run. Montana, on the other hand, want to regroup and refocus after this loss, and must find a way to overcome their recent inconsistency if they are to make a deep run in the tournament. With 73 points, Idaho State was able to outscore Montana, who managed just 69 points, and this win will be a major factor in determining the final standings. As the season enters its final stretch, every game counts, and this win will be remembered as one of the key moments in the season. The 4-point margin of victory was a reflection of Idaho State's determination and grit, and will give them the momentum they need to make a push for the tournament. With just a few games left to play, every matchup counts, and this win will be a major factor in determining the final standings.