FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- The Montana Lady Griz were on a 10-day hiatus from Big Sky Conference women's basketball play heading into Thursday's road game against Northern Arizona. In the end, the time off didn't hurt the Lady Griz as they came away with an 83-74 victory.
Montana started the night in convincing fashion, gaining an eight-point lead with 4:56 left in the first quarter. However, from that point on Northern Arizona outscored the Lady Griz 13-5 to tie the game at 21 heading into the second quarter.
In the second and third quarters, Montana created the gap that ended up deciding the game, outscoring NAU 44-32 in that stretch.
In the fourth quarter, NAU made it interesting as it outscored the Lady Griz 21-18 and even cut the Montana lead to one point with 2:44 left in the game.
Montana was once again led by Carmen Gfeller, who scored a game-high 21 points on 9-for-12 shooting from the field, including one make from beyond the arc. Abby Anderson also had a solid outing with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
Montana shot 31 for 66 (55.4%) from the field and 8 for 18 (44.4%) from 3-point range.
NAU was lead by Emily Rodabaugh who finished with 18 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field, including a perfect 6 for 6 performance from beyond the arc.
Montana (5-3 overall, 2-1 in conference) and NAU (5-6 overall, 3-4 in conference) will take a day off before tipping off again in Flagstaff at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
