Big Sky disappointment

Just one year ago, head coach Ken Bone’s squad routed Montana in their home gym, 108-56, embarrassing the once-proud Grizzlies in Missoula, Mont.

Thursday night, the Grizzlies exacted a little revenge on the Vikings, defeating a Portland State team that looked tired and intimidated, 72-65.

After trailing at halftime, 34-29, the Grizzlies contained the Vikings in the second half and despite a slim two-point Portland State lead with less than three minutes to play, Montana’s shooting from beyond the three-point arc and from the free-throw line sealed the victory for the Grizzlies.

The defeat ended the Vikings’ nine-game road winning streak and handed the Vikings their second conference loss of the season while improving Montana’s conference record to 6-3 in conference play.

Junior forward Jamie Jones led the Vikings with 16 points on just 12 attempts from the field, while junior guard Phil Nelson continued his strong play of late with 14 points.

Kyle Sharp and Anthony Johnson, who each had 15 points on the night, led Montana.

The dynamic backcourt duo of Jeremiah Dominguez and Dominic Waters were held in check by the Grizzlies, who contained the two scorers for the duration of the game.

Dominguez and Waters finished with just 10 combined points after shooting four of 16 and factored heavily into the Vikings struggling from the three point line (9-26) and from the charity stripe (4-9).