Idaho State outperformed Montana, winning 71-54 on Thursday night. The Bengals dominated from the beginning, leading by 18-13 after the first quarter and limiting the Lady Griz to just six points in the second quarter. With this victory, Idaho State improved to 18-8 overall and 11-4 in the Big Sky Conference, while Montana fell to 7-18 overall and 4-10 in conference play. Coach Nate Harris noted his team's slow start and the need for a stronger competitive spirit. Montana’s struggles continue as they recorded their fifth consecutive loss.

By the Numbers
  • Idaho State shot 52.8% from the field, compared to Montana's 39.5% overall.
  • Piper Carlson led the game with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
  • Montana held to just six points in the second quarter on 3-of-16 shooting.
Yes, But

The Bengals' victory underlines Montana's ongoing challenges, as they struggle to maintain morale amidst a five-game losing streak. Coach Harris raised concerns about the team's lack of competitiveness early in the game, which emphasized their performance issues against strong opponents.

State of Play
  • Montana currently ranks eighth in the Big Sky standings with only four games remaining in the regular season.
  • The Lady Griz will face Weber State on Saturday, a team that recently lost 81-36 against Montana State.
What's Next

Montana aims to rebound against Weber State, needing a win to boost their standings and regain team confidence. Continued strong performances from players like Avery Waddington and the emergence of young talent like Ava Cossette will be crucial for the team's future matches.

Bottom Line

Montana needs to decisively shift their approach to break their losing streak and establish a more competitive team identity. Aligning player performances with strategic execution will be key for their upcoming games.