Nov. 30, 2008
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Nov. 30, 2008
With three Broncos scoring in double figures, including senior John Bryant's 27th career double-double, Santa Clara defeated Montana Sunday 71-68 in Missoula, Mont. The win moves Santa Clara to 6-2 vs. Montana and 2-4 this season. Montana falls to 2-4. Santa Clara travels to San Jose State on Wed., Dec. 3 for a 7 pm game prior to returning home to play Sacramento State on Sat., Dec. 6 at 7 pm.
"It's imperative for a young team to win and I am proud of our guys. I am proud of our effort. We've had a crazy November with all the travel and close games," said SCU head coach Kerry Keating. "I could go on an on - I can't say enough about Michael Santos and with Perry Petty coming back and hitting some key free throws. It could have been easier - we were up by 10 in the first half, but a young team sometimes has to learn to win on the road. I am excited about these guys and we are happy they celebrating in the lockerroom right now. Right now it's all about the win and we have to build on that and get better."
Bryant scored 20 points (8 of 15) with 13 rebounds. Starting his first-ever college game, freshman Kevin Foster was three of five from the three-point line and made all four free throws to finish with 17 points. Freshman James Rahon scored 12 points off the bench, knocking down three of three three-pointers.
Santa Clara had lost the last four games by a combined 16 points, including three point losses to UAB and Arizona.
Montana was led by Anthony Johnson's 21 points and Jordan Hasquet's own 20 points.
Santa Clara was 18-24 from the free throw line and shot 50% to the Grizzlies 47.2%, who hit just 13 of 21 from the free throw line. The Grizzlies only turned the ball over five times in the game, including just once in the first half, with the Broncos turning the ball over 15 times.
Santa Clara was up 36-33 at the half, leading by as many as 10 points at the 2:00 minute mark in the first half, led by Kevin Foster's three straight foul shots. SCU made six of seven three-pointers in the first half and shot 52.4% to UM's own 48.3%. Santa Clara was a perfect 8 of 8 from the free throw line in the first half.
Montana went on a 14-2 run from 2:05 in the first half to the 16:35 mark in the second half to take a 40-38 lead. Santa Clara came back with a three by James Rahon at 10:29 and kept the lead for good, with Montana tying it up at 57-57 at 4:35. Bryant then scored six straight points to make it 63-59.
Santa Clara was up 69-68 before Petty hit two key free throws with 11 seconds remaining to seal the win. A desperation three-pointer by Hasquet missed at the buzzer.
