For the first time in 26 years, Montana State came away with top honors in the Big Sky Conference men's basketball tournament Saturday night.
The Bobcats whipped Northern Colorado, 87-66, in a game that aired on national television and was played in front of a large crowd at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho. Montana State will take a 27-7 record into the NCAA tournament, which starts on Tuesday with the First Four games.
The Bobcats built a 40-28 halftime lead, hitting 15 of 30 shots from the floor, including 6 of 12 from 3-point range. Eight team members scored in the half, led by Nick Gazelas and Tyler Patterson, each with eight points.
Montana State, who finished first in the Big Sky standings, poured it on down the stretch. The Cats led by 25 points with 7 minutes left and coasted to victory.
Xavier Bishop led Montana State in scoring with 19 points. Amin Adamu added 16 points, Gazelas 15 and Patterson 14.
The Cats shot 52 percent from the floor (27 for 52). The Bears shot 30 percent against Montana State's feisty defense (19 for 63).
Northern Colorado, who split with MSU in the regular season, fell to 20-15 with the loss.
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