Montana 79, E. Washington 71

Mathias Ward's career-high 28 points helped Montana rally from a nine-point second-half deficit Friday and defeat Eastern Washington 79-71. Will Cherry added 22 points and Art Steward 12 for the Grizzlies (9-5, 2-0 Big Sky), who ran their winning streak to four and gave Wayne Tinkle his 100th career coaching win. Cliff Colimon hit four 3-pointers among his 26 points for the Eagles (7-7, 1-1). Tremayne Johnson had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Collin Chiverton scored 12. Eastern Washington led 47-38 early in the second half before an 11-0 run fueled by two 3-pointers from Cherry put Montana ahead 49-47 with 14:44 to go. The Eagles closed within 65-64 on Colimon's 3-pointer with 5:23 left but never regained the lead. Montana enjoyed a huge advantage at the free throw line, sinking 27 of 37 to just 12 of 19 for Eastern Washington.