Te'Jon Sawyer stole the show, pouring in 27 points and grabbing 6 rebounds to lead Montana to a resounding 98-72 win over Northern Arizona at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome. The Grizzlies' convincing victory was fueled by a scorching first-half performance, where they built a 50-36 lead behind Sawyer's 15 points. Money Williams also made significant contributions, scoring 25 points and dishing out 6 assists to help Montana maintain a comfortable margin throughout the contest.
Karl Poom was the lone bright spot for Northern Arizona, scoring a team-high 16 points, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide of Montana's high-powered offense. The Lumberjacks struggled to keep pace, with Diego Campisano and Brennan Peterson adding 14 and 12 points, respectively, but their efforts were overshadowed by the Grizzlies' balanced attack.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Montana winning by a slim 2.8-point margin, but the actual outcome was far more one-sided. The Grizzlies' 26-point victory margin was a reflection of their dominance on the court, as they shot with precision and played tenacious defense to stifle Northern Arizona's offense.
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Final
The game was essentially decided by halftime, with Montana's 14-point lead proving insurmountable for the Lumberjacks. The Grizzlies' second-half performance was more of the same, with Sawyer and Williams continuing to lead the charge. Tyler Thompson also chipped in with 11 points for Montana, highlighting the team's depth and versatility.
This result will have real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Montana, the win is a Quad 4 victory, which, while not particularly impressive, still helps to bolster their overall record. The Grizzlies' current net ranking of 175 suggests they still have work to do to secure a postseason berth, but this win keeps them on track. On the other hand, Northern Arizona's loss is a Quad 4 defeat, which will do little to enhance their slim tournament hopes. With a net ranking of 320, the Lumberjacks face an uphill battle to regain relevance in the college basketball landscape.
As the season enters its critical phase, Montana's convincing win over Northern Arizona serves as a statement of their intentions. With Te'Jon Sawyer and Money Williams leading the charge, the Grizzlies are a force to be reckoned with, and this result will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they pursue a tournament spot. For Northern Arizona, the loss is a harsh reminder of the challenges they face, and they must regroup and refocus if they hope to salvage their season.