Montana State University-Bozeman Takes Control Late, Beats Montana 82-71 Behind Balanced Attack

The Montana State Bobcats, led by Jed Miller's 19 points and 5 assists, took control of the game in the second half, outscoring the Montana Grizzlies 44-34 in the final 20 minutes to secure an 82-71 victory. Montana, who had been averaging 71.8 points per game over their last 5 contests, couldn't keep pace with Montana State's balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures. Money Williams led the Grizzlies with 25 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bobcats' strong team performance. Montana State's win marks their 2nd victory in their last 5 games, a stretch where they've been outscored by 0.6 points per game.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Montana State taking a slim 38-37 lead into the break. The Grizzlies had been trending upwards, with a 3-2 record over their last 5 games, including a 69-60 win over Idaho State in their previous outing. However, Montana State's ability to adapt and make adjustments at halftime paid off, as they came out strong in the second half and never looked back. The Bobcats' 44 points in the second half were the most they've scored in a half since their 91-88 win over Weber State, where they scored 46 points in the second half. Montana, on the other hand, has now lost 2 of their last 5 games, with their 71 points per game average over that stretch not being enough to secure victories.

Beyond the numbers, it was clear that Montana State's Jed Miller was the catalyst for their victory. He hit several big shots, including a 3-pointer with 10 minutes remaining that gave the Bobcats a 10-point lead. Miller's ability to create for himself and his teammates was a major factor in the game, and his 5 assists were a reflection of his all-around skill. On the other hand, Montana's Te'Jon Sawyer, who had 22 points, seemed to vanish in the second half, scoring only 6 points after halftime. The Grizzlies' Kenyon Aguino, who had 10 points, was also largely ineffective in the second half, failing to score a single point.

The CHD Scout prediction had Montana winning by a slim 0.1 points, but it was clear that the model missed something. Montana State's ability to dominate the paint and outrebound the Grizzlies 35-28 was a major factor in their victory. The Bobcats' Christian King, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds, was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, and his presence was felt throughout the game. Montana, on the other hand, struggled to contain King and the rest of the Bobcats' frontcourt.

The CHD Scout prediction was off the mark, and it's clear that the model underestimated Montana State's ability to dominate the paint. The Bobcats' strong rebounding and interior defense were major factors in their victory, and it's something that the model failed to account for. Montana State's 35 rebounds were the most they've had in a game since their 73-66 win over Idaho, where they had 36 rebounds. The model also failed to account for Montana's struggles on the road, where they've lost 2 of their last 3 games.

Montana State's victory marks their 15th win of the season, and it could potentially shift their tournament outlook. The Bobcats have been trending upwards, with a 2-3 record over their last 5 games, and their 73.8 points per game average over that stretch is a reflection of their improving offense. Montana, on the other hand, has now lost 2 of their last 5 games, and their 71 points per game average over that stretch may not be enough to secure a tournament bid. The Grizzlies' 14-12 record and 167 NET rank put them on the bubble, and their loss to Montana State may have hurt their chances.

The game was a Quadrant 3 contest for both teams, with Montana State's win potentially boosting their resume. The Bobcats' 148 NET rank is still a ways off from the tournament cut line, but their victory over Montana could be a stepping stone towards a stronger finish to the season. Montana, on the other hand, may have to regroup and refocus after their loss. The Grizzlies' 3-2 record over their last 5 games had them trending upwards, but their loss to Montana State may have stalled their momentum.

Montana State's victory could potentially change their tournament picture, as it gives them a much-needed win over a Quadrant 3 opponent. The Bobcats' 148 NET rank is still a ways off from the tournament cut line, but their victory over Montana could be a stepping stone towards a stronger finish to the season. Montana, on the other hand, may have to regroup and refocus after their loss. The Grizzlies' 167 NET rank puts them on the bubble, and their loss to Montana State may have hurt their chances. The Bobcats' win also gives them a 2-3 record over their last 5 games, with their 73.8 points per game average over that stretch being a reflection of their improving offense.

In the end, Montana State's balanced attack and strong team performance were too much for Montana to handle. The Bobcats' 82 points were the most they've scored in a game since their 91-88 win over Weber State, and it's a reflection of their improving offense. Montana, on the other hand, will have to regroup and refocus after their loss. The Grizzlies' 71 points per game average over their last 5 games may not be enough to secure a tournament bid, and their loss to Montana State may have hurt their chances. With 5 games remaining in the regular season, Montana State want to build on their momentum and make a push for the tournament, while Montana will try to regroup and make a late-season surge.