Men’s team blown out 98-77

Montana 98-77 dominated the men’s basketball team Thursday night in Missoula. The Grizzlies (15-3, 5-1 Big Sky) have the best overall record in the Big Sky and continued to show why they are the premier team in the conference.

The Grizzlies shot 64 percent and sent the Vikings (8-11, 1-5 Big Sky) to their fifth loss in six tries. After trailing 45-51 at the half, the Vikings went cold in the second half and fell by 21 points, despite shooting a solid 47 percent from the field.

Kevin Criswell led the Grizzlies with 22 points and center Andrew Strait added 15 points and eight rebounds. Forward Virgil Matthews had seven assists for the smooth Grizzly offense.

Five Vikings scored in double figures. Junior center Anthony Washington had another strong game with 15 points on 5-6 shooting and senior guard Jake Schroeder added 14 points and four assists.

Center Scott Morrison and forwards Juma Kamara and Tyler Hollist scored 10 points each. Hollist led the Vikings in rebounds with eight, while sophomore point guard Ryan Sommer was the top assists man with five.

The Vikings continue their swing through the state of Montana with a Saturday match against the Montana State Bobcats (11-9, 4-2 Big Sky).