Montana
Colorado State
Grizzlies fall to Rams 64-58 in season opener
11/11/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 11, 2011
Box score
The Colorado State Rams survived a late comeback bid by the Montana Grizzlies and won 64-58 in the season opener for both teams at Moby Arena in Fort Collins, Colo.
The Rams led by 12 in the second half but a Griz run, capped off by a three-pointer by senior forward Art Steward with 2:39 remaining, cut the CSU lead to 56-58. CSU then went on an 8-2 run to finish the game and seal the victory.
The Grizzlies led for much of the first half and held a five point 14-9 advantage with 8:55 left in the first half. CSU scored eight straight points to take a 14-17 lead capped off with two free-throws by senior forward Will Bell with 5:18 remaining.
After trading baskets the rams again took went on another run and took a 30-20 lead with 42 seconds left in the frame. Freshman forward Michael Weisner hit a three to cut the lead to 30-23 at the half.
Fouls were a big part of the story in the first half; Steward, senior point guard Will Cherry, sophomore forward Kareem Jamar and senior guard Shawn Stockton all had two fouls at the half. Junior forward Mathias Ward had three first half fouls.
The Rams took advantage of the rough Grizzly play and scored 12 of their 30 first half points from the free-throw line.
The Grizzlies missed the presence of senior center Derek Selvig, Montana struggled on the boards without Selvig and was out rebounded 43-24.
CSU junior Wes Eikmeier led all scorers with 21 points and was 10-for-10 from the foul line. Junior forward Greg Smith scored 14, junior guard Jesse Carr dropped in 12 and junior forward Pierce Hornung scored 10 for the Rams but also pulled down 12 rebounds.
Jamar scored 12 to lead the Griz, Cherry and Steward were the only other players in double figures for Montana with 11 apiece. Jamar and sophomore forward Eric Hutchison tied for the team high with 5 rebounds.
The Grizzlies will attempt to get into the win column at 7 p.m. next Monday when they face Great Falls University at the friendly confines of Dahlberg Arena.
