(Editor's note: Montana State Athletics press release)
BOZEMAN -- Montana State had three double-digit scorers in the second half and shot nearly 50 percent in a 75-64 Big Sky Conference victory over Idaho State on Saturday, Jan. 25, in Reed Gym. The win improved the Bobcats to 11-9 overall and 5-4 in the Big Sky men's basketball standings, while the Bengals fell to 6-12 overall and 3-6 in conference play.
The two foes battled to a 34-34 stalemate through 20 minutes. The Bobcats held the Bengals to just 35.5% shooting from the field in the first half, but were unable to gain an advantage as ISU knocked in five 3-pointers.
Montana State and Idaho State continued to play on event terms through the first 10 minutes of the second half. The two teams were tied at 51 following a 3-pointer by Idaho State's Jared Stutzman which is when the Bobcats made their move.
The Bobcats scored seven straight points before the Bengals answered and eventually completed a 19-5 run during a span of 8 minutes, 3 seconds. MSU's lead extended into double digits with 3:48 to play.
MSU was solid down the stretch in picking up its fifth Big Sky win. The Bobcats were 18 of 23 from the line, which included a 13 of 14 clip (92.9%) during the second half. The 'Cats hit only one 3-pointer, but connected on 49.1% overall from the field while holding Idaho State to 36.6% over 40 minutes of action. The Bobcats outrebounded Idaho State 38-32 and forced 15 turnovers.
Four Bobcats scored in double digits led by Amin Adamu's [msubobcats.com] 19 points. He scored 13 in the final 20 minutes of the game while Devin Kirby [msubobcats.com] and Jubrile Belo [msubobcats.com] each scored 10 in the second half. Belo finished with 16 points and eight rebounds and Kirby completed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Harald Frey [msubobcats.com] also scored 13 points and Mychael Paulo [msubobcats.com] added five rebounds.
Austin Smellie scored a team-high 12 points for Idaho State and Chidi Udengwu added 11. Chier Maker had eight rebounds.
The Bobcats complete their stretch of three consecutive road games on Saturday, Feb. 1, when they take on the Montana Grizzlies at 7 p.m. in Dahlberg Arena.
