GREELEY, Colo. -- The Montana Lady Griz pulled off a fourth-quarter comeback over Northern Colorado to secure a 60-56 win in their Big Sky Conference women's basketball opener.
It wasn't the start the Lady Griz were looking for as Montana went 9 for 34 (26.5%) from the field in the first half, while UNC went 12 for 31 (38.7%). In the second quarter, the Bears erupted for 22 points while holding the Lady Griz to just 12 as Northern Colorado took a 37-25 lead into the half.
In the third quarter, Montana kept up with UNC and outscored the Bears 16-15. Montana struggled from beyond the arc in the quarter, shooting 0 for 4 but made up for it at the free throw line, going 6 for 6.
In the fourth quarter, Montana still trailed 52-41 but made it up with stellar shooting and defense as the Lady Griz outscored the bears 19-4. In the final minutes, Montana tied the game and that's when freshman and Havre native Kyndall Keller scored a clutch floater in the lane to take the 58-56 lead.
Keller went on to hit two key free throws as well to secure the 60-56 comeback victory.
Montana finished the game shooting 19 for 65 (29.2%) from the field but was perfect from the line, going 18 for 18. Abby Anderson, Carmen Gfeller and Sophia Stiles led the scoring for Montana with 12 points each.
Northern Colorado finished shooting 17 for 62 (27.4%) from the field and 10 for 27 (37%) from beyond the arc.
UNC (0-1 conference) hosts Montana (1-0) on Sunday to conclude the two-game series.
