MISSOULA — Idaho State took control in the second half and snapped Montana's five-game winning streak, winning 79-49 in Big Sky Conference women's basketball action on Thursday evening in Dahlberg Arena.
Callie Bourne led ISU with 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while Diaba Konate added 17 points and five assists. Delaney Moore scored 14 points while Estefania Ors added 13 for the Bengals (17-3, 13-2 Big Sky Conference) who continue to sit atop the women's conference standings.
Carmen Gfeller led Montana (12-8, 9-6) with 15 points while Abby Anderson finished with 14 points and eight rebounds and Sophia Stiles added 14 points as well. The win was Idaho State's largest margin of victory over Montana.
Photos: Montana Lady Griz fall to Idaho State
Montana kept it close early as Idaho State led 16-15 at the end of the first quarter. But the Bengals found their groove on offense in the second quarter and took a 36-25 lead into the break.
It was a 10-point lead for Idaho State heading into the final quarter as Montana used an 8-0 run to end the third to gain some momentum, but the Bengals blew the doors open in the fourth, out-scoring Montana 29-9.
The Bengals finished shooting 55.9% from the field and 7 for 20 from deep. Montana shot 31.5% from the floor and just 2 for 15 from 3-point range. The Bengals out-rebounded the Lady Griz 38 to 28.
The two teams meet again on Saturday in Missoula at noon.
Notes: Lady Griz senior Madi Schoening recorded her 500th career rebound for Montana in the first quarter, but moments after achieving that milestone had to leave the game with an unknown injury. Schoening did not return in the contest and finished with seven minutes played, three rebounds and two assists.
