Idaho State men shock Montana for first win over Griz in over a decade

THE MATCHUP

Montana came into Saturday’s matchup in Pocatello with a chance to quickly bounce back from an 80-75 loss to Weber State on Thursday, only the Grizzlies’ second Big Sky Conference loss of the season. The schedule was set up well for Travis DeCuire’s team to do it, as they faced off against an Idaho State team that had lost five in a row. The Bengals came in with only three wins on the season and only one against a D-I opponent, an 81-74 triumph over fellow Big Sky bottom-dweller Idaho on Jan. 15.

THE RESULT

In one of the most shocking Big Sky results of the last decade, Idaho State shot 62.5% from the field to not only win, but win going away against the Griz, 86-63.

The loss was Montana’s first against the Bengals since 2009, and Griz head coach Travis DeCuire’s first against in 14 career games against ISU. For such a stunning result, the final outcome was hardly in doubt. Idaho State never trailed, and the Griz only drew even twice, at 2-2 and 4-4 after early Brandon Whitney buckets.

Idaho State led by 10 at halftime after an Austin Smellie jumper, opened the lead past 15 with a 7-1 run out of the break, and led by 20 before the second half was half over.

THE STANDOUTS

Idaho State’s freshman point guard Liam Sorenson played a nearly perfect game, finishing with 19 points on just seven field-goal attempts. The Denmark native made all three of his 3-point attempts, and added a game-high eight assists and six rebounds.

Sorenson barely won the title of Idaho State’s most efficient player, as post Malik Porter went for 20 points and 10 rebounds on 14 shots.

Jared Rodriguez, who transferred from San Diego to the Bengals before the season, cashed in 16 points on just seven field-goal attempts, adding eight rebounds.

Whitney led Montana with 19 points, making all seven of his free-throw attempts. His fellow guard Cam Parker added 15 points, making 6 of 9 from the field.

QUOTABLE

“At the end of the day, our competitive spirit wasn’t where it needed to be. They took the first punch and hit us pretty hard, and we never got going.” – Montana head coach Travis DeCuire

“I think it’ll sink in a little bit later. Me personally, I’m grateful I can be in the gym with our guys, whether it was being active in game prep or the game itself. I think our guys had an edge to them. They were feeling more confident.” – Idaho State head coach Ryan Looney

“Defense killed us tonight. Mack (Anderson) was limited, and without him, our defense isn’t quite as good. His activity is important to a lot of the things we execute.” – Montana head coach Travis DeCuire

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WHAT’S NEXT

Montana (15-8, 8-4 Big Sky Conference) hosts Southern Utah in a rescheduled game on Monday.

Idaho State (4-16, 2-9) hosts Montana State on Monday.