Montana Grizzlies vs Idaho Vandals
Patterson sparks Montana early in 78-55 win over Idaho in Big Sky Conference tourney semifinal
BOISE, Idaho -- — Reserve Austin Patterson scored 20 points shooting 5 for 10 from 3-point range and Montana beat Idaho 78-55 in a Big Sky Conference Tournament semifinal game on Tuesday night.
The second-seeded Grizzlies will play top-seeded Northern Colorado on Wednesday for the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Money Williams, also a backup, and Kai Johnson each scored 13 points for Montana (24-9).
Jack Payne scored 18 points and Kolton Mitchell 12 for Idaho (14-19) who entered the tournament as the sixth seed.
Patterson's 3-pointer with 15:43 left in the first half broke a tie at 7 and Montana led for the remainder. Williams made a layup and 3 within 30 seconds and Montana extended the lead to 27-11 at the midway point of the first half.
The Grizzlies led 39-28 at intermission and stayed ahead by double figures for all the second half.
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Game Information
Boise, ID
Referee:Randy McCall
Referee:Casey McClellan
Referee:James Ford
2025-26 Standings
| Big Sky Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State | 13-5 | - | 20-11 |
| Montana State | 12-6 | 1 | 18-14 |
| Eastern Washington | 11-7 | 2 | 14-19 |
| Northern Colorado | 10-8 | 3 | 20-12 |
| Montana | 10-8 | 3 | 18-16 |
| Weber State | 10-8 | 3 | 16-16 |
| Idaho | 9-9 | 4 | 21-15 |
| Sacramento State | 6-12 | 7 | 10-21 |
| Idaho State | 5-13 | 8 | 13-20 |
| Northern Arizona | 4-14 | 9 | 10-22 |
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