Idaho women’s basketball was unable to dampen Montana’s spirits during the Griz’s senior night.
Montana’s defense was thorough and didn’t let up throughout the entire game. Idaho performed similarly but gave up more free throws and points in the paint. The final score was 64-48, giving Montana their first 20-win season since 2015-16.
In an unusual occurrence, both teams struggled from behind the arc. Idaho shot 4-14 while Montana went 6-29. The teams were otherwise matched offensively, shooting 40% and 35% from the floor respectively. The difference maker came in the form of rebounding. The Griz shut out the Vandals with a staggering 20 board deficit. Idaho finished with no second chance attempts, in comparison to Montana’s 17 offensive rebounds.
Junior forward Dani Bartsch and senior forward Carmen Gfeller dominated the post, with 12 and nine rebounds. Bartsch was the only Griz starter not in double figures, ending the game with two points. Only seven Griz players recorded points in the game, however five of them finished with ten or more.
Idaho kept the game close through the first half, but let it slip during the third quarter. Junior guard Kennedy Johnson finished the contest with 19 points on 53% shooting. She and senior guard Sarah Schmitt led the team in rebounding with five apiece. Johnson’s offensive performance was backed up by Schmitt’s 11 points, along with sophomore guard Asha Phillips’ 10. The other two starters, sophomore forward Sarah Brans and senior guard Amalie Langer, recorded zero points.
Johnson’s effort wasn’t enough to get the Vandals out of the hole they’d dug themselves into. The Griz stayed solid and after taking the lead near the end of the first quarter, led the rest of the way. Montana finished the game with only eight fouls. Idaho only shot four free throws throughout 40 minutes of action. The defensive performance, led by Gfeller’s three steals and one block, secured the victory in Missoula.
Both teams will play their last regular-season game in Idaho on Monday, March 4 at 6 p.m. The Vandals will have their own senior night as they defend home court against the Portland State Vikings. The Griz will travel to Pocatello to take on the Idaho State Bengals.
Today’s contest makes Idaho 14-15 (7-10) while Montana moves up to 20-8 (12-5).
Idaho is currently tied with Idaho State at sixth in the conference standings.
Willie Gibbs can be reached at [email protected]