FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Interstat) — In a display of offensive efficiency rarely seen this season, the Montana Grizzlies turned a highly anticipated Big Sky Conference rematch into a one-sided showcase, dismantling the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 98-72 on Monday night at Walkup Skydome.

Fueled by a scorching first-half shooting performance and a combined 52 points from its star backcourt, Montana avenged a recent loss and snapped a two-game skid in emphatic fashion. The Grizzlies improved to 10-9 overall, while Northern Arizona fell to 6-14.

The most important part of the game was Montana’s immediate and overwhelming offensive response to an early challenge. Just over two weeks after defeating Northern Arizona by 14 in Missoula, the Grizzlies faced a quick 10-2 deficit on the road. Instead of faltering, Montana unleashed a breathtaking 22-2 run over a five-minute span that effectively decided the contest before it was 10 minutes old. The surge was powered by precision from beyond the arc and relentless interior play, transforming the early hole into a 24-12 lead from which the Lumberjacks never recovered.

Montana guard Money Williams, the conference’s leading scorer, orchestrated the onslaught. The Oakland, California, native finished with 25 points and six assists, consistently breaking down the defense to create opportunities for himself and others. His backcourt mate, Te’Jon Sawyer of San Francisco, was the primary beneficiary and the game’s high scorer, pouring in 27 points on remarkably efficient 11-of-14 shooting from the floor, including two three-pointers, in just 25 minutes of action.

The Grizzlies’ offensive numbers bordered on the surreal. They shot 68% from the field for the game, connecting on 36 of 53 attempts. Their marksmanship from three-point range was even more staggering, hitting 13 of 22 for a 59% clip. This efficiency translated to a staggering 156.5 offensive rating, meaning they scored 156.5 points per 100 possessions.

Northern Arizona, which shot a respectable 49% itself, simply could not keep pace. The Lumberjacks were led by Karl Poom of Tartu, Estonia, who scored 16 points, and Diego Campisano of San Diego, who added 14 off the bench, including four three-pointers in the second half. But every time Northern Arizona showed a flicker of momentum, Montana had an answer, usually in the form of a Williams drive or a Sawyer finish inside.

Montana’s 50-point first half set the tone, and they maintained their focus after halftime, never allowing the lead to dip below 14 points. The Grizzlies’ ball security and shot selection were impeccable; both teams committed only seven turnovers, but Montana’s elite shooting made each possession vastly more valuable.

Tyler Thompson of Fairfield, California, provided crucial support for Montana’s star duo, scoring 11 points and dishing out four assists. Kenyon Aguino of Albuquerque, New Mexico, added six points and four assists, facilitating the offense from the forward position.

For Northern Arizona, the loss extended a difficult stretch in conference play. Chris Komin of Cypress, California, battled for 32 minutes, contributing eight points and five assists, but the Lumberjacks’ defense had no solution for Montana’s fluid attack.

The game drew an announced crowd of 653 to the cavernous Skydome, where they witnessed a Montana team that performed far above its pregame expectations as a 4.5-point favorite. The combined score of 170 points sailed over the posted over/under of 144.5.

Montana now returns home to face Weber State on Thursday, carrying the momentum of an offensive masterpiece. Northern Arizona looks to regroup before hosting Northern Colorado on Saturday.