The Montana Lady Griz struggled through one of their worst shooting nights of the season, but but made enough of a difference in several other areas to hold off the Portland State Vikings, 77-73 in overtime Thursday.
The Lady Griz shot 32.8 percent from the field, and 25 percent from three point range, but made 77.8 percent from the free throw line, converting 28-of-36 from the stripe, many in the first half when Montana surged to a 16-point, 38-22 lead at halftime.
Montana Guard Mandy Morales missed the potential
game-winning
shot as time expired in regulation, with the score tied at 65, but responded by scoring seven of Montana’s 12 points in overtime to pace the Lady Griz. Morales scored 17 points and had three assists for Montana.
Guard Claire Faucher scored 19 points to lead the Vikings. But Montana held the PSU’s other two leading scorers -- Kelsey Kahle and Delaney Conway -- to 13 points between them and forced 19 Vikings' turnovers in the win. The Portland State trio are ranked among the top 11 scorers in the Big Sky so far on the season.
Besides Morales’ 17 points, Montana got balanced scoring from four starters, 15 apiece from forwards Johanna Closson and Britney Lohman and 14 from shooting guard Sonja Rogers, who made 3-of-9 long-range treys.
Montana post Tamara Guardipee appeared to be battling a virus and scored only three points, but pulled down eight rebounds for the Lady Griz, who out-boarded the Vikings 49-44.
Though the statistics don’t show it, backup point guard Laura Cote played an inspired game. Cote scored only four points on 4-for-4 shooting from the free throw line, blocked two shots, had one steal, dished out one assist, and grabbed four rebounds -- including a crucial board late in overtime, which finally sealed Montana's win.
The victory puts Montana into sole possession of first place with a 6-1 conference record
. Though the Lady Griz are by no means in the drivers' seat, a win Saturday against the visiting Eastern Washington Eagles means Montana will have finished the first half of conference play alone at the top of the Big Sky standings. The Vikings dropped to 5-2 and into a second place tie with Idaho State. Northern Colorado and Montana State are tied for fourth with 4-3 records.
Montana hosts Eastern Washington Saturday at 7:05 p.m., while the Vikings travel to Montana State for a match against Montana State.
PHOTOS: Dvera Tolbert (#31 top) is guarded by Coutney Cremer and Claire Faucher. Tolbert missed both free throw shots. Middle, Laura Cote drives against Vikings center Erin Yankus. Cote made both free throws. Bottom, Johanna Closson battles Kelsey Kahle for a loose ball in first half action.
NOTE: Vikings center Erin Yankus is the daughter of Charlie Yankus, the former Montana center who played for the Grizzlies from 1975-80.
