The Montana Grizzlies bounced back impressively on Monday night, securing a 98-72 win against Northern Arizona. They were on fire in the first half, taking a commanding lead and never looking back.
Montana (10-9, 4-2 Big Sky) heated up their shooting, hitting the last eight shots in the first half and heading into the break with a 50-36 advantage. They finished the game with 20 assists and showcased excellent shooting, making 13 three-pointers at 59.1 percent accuracy. Overall, they shot 67.9 percent from the field, the best against a Division-I opponent this century.
Te’Jon Sawyer led the charge, scoring a career-high 27 points, including an impressive 11-of-13 shooting. His contributions were crucial, as he not only scored but also grabbed six rebounds. Head coach Travis DeCuire praised him, saying, “Give him the ball, he will score.”
Money Williams also shined with 25 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, showcasing efficiency with just one turnover. This marked the first time two Grizzlies had scored over 25 points in a game since 2016. “When (Williams) spreads the ball around, we’re a better basketball team,” DeCuire noted.
One of the key improvements in this game was ball control. Montana had only seven turnovers, a season low, after struggling with turnovers earlier in the year. DeCuire emphasized the importance of intent in their play, stating that focusing on the right moves reduced mistakes.
The duo of Sawyer and Williams set the tone early. They helped Montana clinch a 13-12 lead midway through the first half. As the game progressed, Sawyer’s hot streak continued—he scored 16 points in just the first 12 minutes.
The Grizzlies surged to a 27-24 lead, aided by a series of three-pointers, including an explosive sequence by Grant Kepley and Brooklyn Hicks, who both hit consecutive shots from beyond the arc.
In the second half, Montana did not let up. They scored the first nine points, holding Northern Arizona scoreless for a crucial three-minute stretch, extending the lead to 59-36. They maintained their momentum, closing out the game without missing a shot in the final stretch—finishing with ten straight field goals.
This victory comes after two tough road losses, and DeCuire credited the team’s good preparation and focus. “We had a great film session and worked together,” he explained.
The Grizzlies haven’t played at home since January 3 and are eager for their upcoming matches. They will host Weber State on January 22 and Idaho State for the annual N7 game on January 25, which promises excitement as they continue Big Sky Conference play.
This win sets a strong tone moving forward and highlights their potential to compete at a high level. With the right momentum, Montana may be on the path to turning their season around.
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