CALDWELL, Idaho (Interstat) — Money Williams scored 35 points to lead Montana to a 79-73 victory over Idaho in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Idaho Central Credit Union Arena. The Grizzlies built a 44-30 halftime lead behind efficient shooting, then held off a second-half rally by the Vandals. Williams, who also had five assists, was pivotal down the stretch, scoring 12 of Montana’s final 15 points. Te’Jon Sawyer added 16 points for Montana. Idaho, which outrebounded Montana 15-2 on the offensive glass, was led by Jackson Rasmussen and Brody Rowbury with 16 points each. The Vandals closed within four points late but could not complete the comeback. Montana improved to 9-7 overall, while Idaho fell to 9-6.

CALDWELL, Idaho (Interstat) — Money Williams scored 35 points and Montana withstood a furious second-half rally from Idaho to secure a 79-73 victory in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Idaho Central Credit Union Arena. The Grizzlies (9-7, 2-0 Big Sky) built a 14-point halftime lead but saw it evaporate completely in the final minutes before Williams, a 6-foot-4 guard from Oakland, California, delivered a series of clutch plays to seal the win. The Vandals (9-6, 1-1), despite a dominant performance on the offensive glass and a 43-point second half, fell short in their comeback bid. Montana appeared in complete control after the first 20 minutes, leading 44-30. The Grizzlies shot 50% from the field in the half and connected on five 3-pointers, while Idaho struggled to a 4-of-23 performance from beyond the arc for the game. Kenyon Aguino provided an early spark for Montana, scoring 11 of his 13 points before halftime, including three first-half 3-pointers. The second half was a stark reversal. Idaho’s defense intensified, forcing eight Montana turnovers after the break and converting them into 12 points. The Vandals relentlessly attacked the paint, finishing with a 40-32 advantage there, and capitalized on 15 offensive rebounds to generate second-chance opportunities. A driving layup by Jackson Rasmussen with 1:33 remaining capped a 15-4 Idaho run and tied the game at 71-71, sending the crowd of 1,785 into a frenzy. Williams, who also had five assists, immediately answered. He drew a foul on Isaiah Brickner on the ensuing possession and calmly sank both free throws to put Montana back ahead. After Rasmussen scored again inside to retie the game at 73-73 with 1:18 left, Williams was fouled again, this time by Trevon Blassingame, and made two more from the line for a 75-73 lead with 1:11 on the clock. Idaho had multiple chances to tie or take the lead in the final minute but came up empty. Kolton Mitchell missed a 3-pointer, and after an offensive rebound, Mitchell missed a jumper. Williams secured the defensive board, was fouled, and hit two more free throws with 24 seconds left for a four-point cushion. Following another Idaho miss, Williams put the game away with a pull-up jumper just inside the arc with 4 seconds remaining. Te’Jon Sawyer supported Williams with 16 points for Montana. The Grizzlies won despite being out-assisted 9-6, out-stolen 9-6, and committing 13 turnovers to Idaho’s eight. Their efficiency proved decisive, as they posted an offensive rating of 107.6 points per 100 possessions, compared to Idaho’s 103.1, and made 19 of 22 free throws. Idaho was led by Rasmussen and Brody Rowbury, who each scored 16 points. Rasmussen added two assists and a block, while Rowbury, a 6-foot-11 center from Meridian, Idaho, was a force inside. Brickner finished with 14 points, and Biko Johnson added 11. The Vandals’ inability to connect from deep (4 of 23) and missed opportunities at the foul line (19 of 29) ultimately undermined their gritty comeback effort. The most critical sequence of the game occurred in the final 71 seconds with the score tied at 73. Williams, demonstrating the poise that made him the night’s standout performer, drew contact twice in the backcourt to earn trips to the line, where he made all four free throws. His defensive rebound and subsequent game-sealing jumper then extinguished Idaho’s last hopes. This clutch stretch highlighted the contrast between Montana’s cool execution under pressure and Idaho’s frantic, missed attempts in the final minute. Montana, which has won three straight, visits Eastern Washington on Saturday. Idaho, which saw a three-game winning streak snapped, hosts Montana State on Saturday.

Preview: Montana Grizzlies at Idaho Vandals CALDWELL, Idaho (Interstat) — A pivotal early-season Big Sky Conference men’s basketball matchup tips off Thursday when the Idaho Vandals host the Montana Grizzlies at Idaho Central Credit Union Arena. Idaho (9-5, 1-0 Big Sky) enters with momentum after a narrow 84-81 home win over Eastern Washington to open conference play. The Vandals are led by guard Kolton Mitchell, who is coming off a career-high 32-point performance in that victory. Mitchell has been on a scoring tear, averaging 26.7 points over his last three games against Division I opponents, including a 31-point effort in an overtime win at Cal Poly. Montana (8-7, 1-0) also started its conference slate with a win, defeating Northern Colorado 88-79 behind a stellar outing from guard Money Williams. The sophomore exploded for 31 points, five assists and two blocks in 34 minutes. Williams has been the engine for the Grizzlies, showcasing a versatile game, though his scoring output has fluctuated against high-major competition. The Vandals boast a stronger overall record and have shown resilience in close games, with two of their last three wins coming by three points or fewer. Their offense has been potent, averaging 86.2 points in their nine wins. Montana has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses in its last six games. The Grizzlies’ defense will be tested after allowing 94 points in a lopsided loss at Louisville in late December. This contest features a compelling backcourt duel between Mitchell, Idaho’s dynamic scorer, and Williams, Montana’s all-around threat. The game could hinge on which star delivers a more efficient performance and which team controls the tempo. Idaho’s home-court advantage, where they are 6-1 this season, provides another edge. The outcome will offer an early indicator of the conference hierarchy. Both teams face quick turnarounds, with Idaho hosting Montana State and Montana traveling to Eastern Washington on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Thursday.