Despite erasing a 24-point deficit, the Montana Lady Griz fell just short at Northern Colorado, losing 77-76 in overtime in Greeley, Colorado, in Big Sky Conference women's basketball action.
Similar to Friday's comeback victory, the Lady Griz dug themselves into a hole early as Northern Colorado grabbed a 35-11 lead with 1:49 left in the second quarter. However, the Lady Griz ended the first half on a 10-1 run to go into the break down 36-21.
The Lady Griz continued their furious comeback in the third quarter, and two Sophia Stiles free throws made it 40-35 UNC, making it a 24-5 run for the Lady Griz stemming from the second quarter.
Montana chipped away and went back and forth with Northern Colorado from there until the very end. Trailing 64-61 with 13 seconds left, the Lady Griz found Hannah Thurmon, who knocked down her third 3-pointer of the game with five seconds remaining to tie the game and send it into overtime.
UNC knocked down two straight 3-pointers to start the extra period to put UM in a deficit again and Montana couldn't quite pull back ahead. UNC got four straight free throws to go in the final 15 seconds to stay just ahead of Montana, which in turn got two quick 3-pointers from freshman Bria Dixson for the Lady Griz, who ran out of time down the stretch.
Stiles led UM (3-3, 1-1 Big Sky) with 16 points while Thurmon added 15 and Carmen Gfeller scored 13. Dixson also tallied 12 points after shooting 4 for 5 from deep. Madi Schoening led Montana with eight rebounds before fouling out.
As a team Montana shot 24 for 65 (36.9%) from the field, including a 10-for-24 performance from deep. The Lady Griz finished strong after going 6 for 24 from the field in the first half. Northern Colorado went 22 for 66 (33.3%) from the field.
The Bears' (2-7, 1-3 Big Sky) biggest advantage came on the boards as UNC out-rebounded Montana 51 to 40, including a 20 to 12 advantage on the offensive glass. Alisha Davis led Northern Colorado with 21 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks.
The Lady Griz host Whitworth on Saturday in a recently added non-conference game. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Griz men added a home game with Whitworth as well that is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Notes: Star forward Abby Anderson did not play on Sunday due to injury, per the Lady Griz broadcast. Anderson scored 12 points in Montana's win over UNC on Friday.
