Northern Arizona forward Nick Larson(32) tries for the block of Montana forward Jack McGillis(44) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball Big Sky Tournament game in Missoula, Mont., on Saturday, March 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Anthony Johnson scored 22 points Saturday to lead fourth-seeded Montana to an 81-60 victory over No. 5 Northern Arizona in the Big Sky Conference tournament quarterfinals.
Will Cherry and Raason Young added 11 points each to help the Grizzlies (20-9) dominate Northern Arizona for the third time this season. Montana beat NAU by 17 and 20 points in two previous games.
“It was important after a tough loss last weekend here to respond and bounce back,” Montana coach Wayne Tinkle said. “We worked hard this week in practice and when we do that and bring energy and focus, we play well.”
Cherry also had nine rebounds, six assists and four steals for the Grizzlies, who advance to the Big Sky semifinals Tuesday against No. 2 seed Northern Colorado in Ogden, Utah.
Johnson, a unanimous All-Big Sky pick for the second straight season, now has 548 points this season — which ranks sixth on the school’s single-season scoring list.
“Luckily, we had our feet under us and we were knocking down shots,” Johnson said. “That’s what we can do when we’re firing on all cylinders.”
This is Montana’s first 20-win season since 2005-06 (24-7) and just the second time in the last 13 years it has reached the 20-victory plateau.
Cameron Jones led Northern Arizona (14-14) with 21 points. Nick Larson added 11.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back, leading the game from wire to wire. They were on top 39-25 at halftime, and the Lumberjacks never got closer than 13 points the rest of the way.
“You go on anybody’s home court and you spot them seven points to start the game, you’re in trouble,” said Northern Arizona coach Mike Adras.
Montana is 12-0 this season when scoring 70 points or more.
Montana dominated Northern Arizona in almost every facet of the game, but it was most noticeable on the glass where the Grizzlies outrebounded the Lumberjacks 41-29. Montana had 15 offensive rebounds and scored 20 second-chance points to just two for Northern Arizona.
Montana also shot 53 percent (9 for 17) on 3-point attempts and 49 percent (32 for 65) overall.
Northern Arizona made just 3 of 13 3-pointers while shooting 46 percent from the field (26 for 56).
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
Recently Posted Comments