Eagles Fall to Grizzlies in Exhibition
MISSOULA, Mont. - The state of Montana has not been kind to the Eagle women or men thus far and cold shooting seems to be one of the common denominators. The University of Montana defeated NU 83-51 tonight in Dahlberg Arena in an exhibition game for both teams.
The Eagles jumped out to a 4-0 lead on two technical foul free throws (UM dunked in warm-ups) and a field goal by senior Greg Spurgetis who played for the Grizzlies before transferring to NU this fall. A steal and lay-up by Montana's Vassy Banny tied the game at 6 all but Greg George's jumper put NU back into the lead. Jack McGillis hit two free throws to put the Grizzlies ahead 12-10 but Greg George scored 4 straight points to tie the game again at 12 a piece. That was the final tie of the game as Montana shot 65.4% in the half and the Eagles shot a cool 29% on 7 for 24 FG shooting.
Montana took a 39-26 lead into the locker room at halftime. NU was a perfect 10 for 10 from the free throw line in the half.
In the second half, a jumper by Greg Spurgetis and lay-up by Eddie Coulson cut the Grizzlies' lead to 9 at 39-30, but Montana then went on a 27-0 run to put them up 57-30 with 11:16 left in the game. Northwest's shooting woes continued in the second half as they managed identical 29% shooting on 7-24 from 2-point FG range. Montana continued their hot hand and shot a blistering 63.2% in the second half.
"I felt we came out and competed hard, had open looks at shots, but they just weren't falling for us tonight," commented Coach John Van Dyke. "On the positive side, we did have open looks and we also shot 100% from the free throw line going 20 for 20 on the night. Our team will continue to improve and come together as the season moves along."
Sophomore forward Greg George (Seattle, Wash.) led NU with 16 points and 6 rebounds and shooting a perfect 8 for 8 from the free throw line. Senior guard Eddie Coulson (N. Las Vegas, NV) dropped in 11 points, while senior wing Greg Spurgetis (Spokane, Wash.) added 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Montana was led by Jordan Hasquet who finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds, transfer Michael Taylor (Eastern Washington) added 12 points and Jack McGillis contributed 11 points for the Grizzlies.
The Eagles trip to Montana continues on Saturday as they head east to Butte, Montana and play Montana Tech at 7 p.m.