MISSOULA, Mont. – A big night from the College of Idaho bench was not enough, as the University of Montana made 67-percent of their first half field goals to build a big lead, defeating the Coyotes, 80-52, before over 3,000 fans in Dahlberg Arena.
The preseason Big Sky Conference favorite Grizzlies (5-2) got consecutive baskets by Sayeed Pritchett and back-to-back 3's from Ahmaad Rorie in a 19-4 run to open the game. The lead grew to 36-12 after a transition dunk by Bobby Moorehead – as the hosts took a 48-22 lead at the break.
The Coyotes (13-1), who played the game as an exhibition – played even with the Griz in the final 20 minutes – as 37 of their 52 points on the night came from non-starters.
Justin Saunders scored all 10 of his points in a first half flurry, with
Gibson Berryhill making 3-of-5 3-point attempts, scoring nine.
Ivory Miles-Williams returned to the line-up, scoring six points with three rebounds, with
Daniel Webster adding four points. Despite the loss, C of I held a commanding 16-7 edge in offensive rebounds.
Both Pridgett and Rorie led UM with 17 points, with Moorehead scoring 14 points. The Griz combined for 10 blocked shots and forced 16 turnovers.
C of I will take the week off from competition for final exams, returning to action a week from Saturday at Corban.
