MISSOULA, MONT. - A pair of late second-half runs helped the University of Montana men's basketball team put away Lewis-Clark State College 82-53 in an exhibition game between the NCAA Division I program and the NAIA school.
The Montana defense also stepped up their second half effort, holding the Warriors to just 29 percent second half shooting after allowing 45 percent from the field in the first half.
The Grizzlies were able to force 18 turnovers, which according to Warrior assistant coach Tim Collins, Montana was able to convert into transition baskets. Although LCSC was tied with Montana in rebounding at halftime, the Grizzlies were able to outrebound the Warriors 40-29.
Collins said the turnovers and rebounding were big factors because the Grizzlies were able to take 64 shots from the field, compared to 46 for LCSC.
The Grizzlies started the game slow. The first Montana points of the game came on a Brian Qvale layup on a pass from Anthony Johnson nearly two minutes into the game. The slow start the helped the Warriors to an early 7-2 lead.
The Grizzlies took their first lead over five minutes into the game, a 12-11 advantage on a 3-pointer by Johnson
The Grizzlies started the game slow. The first Montana points of the game came on a Brian Qvale layup on a pass from Anthony Johnson nearly two minutes into the game. The slow start the helped the Warriors to an early 7-2 lead.
The Grizzlies took their first lead over five minutes into the game, a 12-11 advantage on a 3-pointer by Johnson
Collins said the Warriors played well early, but just couldn't maintain it throughout the contest. He did note one big stat in LCSC's favor is the Warriors were able to get to the foul line. LCSC shot 27 free throws in the contest.
Tanner McIntosh led the Warriors with 15 poitns, while James Craft added 13. Marcus Monroe added nine, but was only 1-of-13 from the field. Daniel Williams led the Warriors in rebounding with six.
The road for the Warriors doesn't get any easier as they play their second exhibition contest of the season on Monday night in Pullman against Washington State University. LCSC is 2-0 on the season.
A boxscore on the contest can be found at
http://filemanager.montanagrizzlies.com/mtgriz3/schedules_and_stats/files/mbb/htm/2009-10/um-lcs.htm
