MISSOULA, Mont. (Interstat) — In a stunning reversal of momentum that defined a critical Big Sky Conference matchup, the Montana Grizzlies overcame a 10-point halftime deficit with a blistering second-half offensive display to defeat the Idaho Vandals 73-68 on Saturday night at Dahlberg Arena.

A crowd of 3,018 watched as the Vandals, who led 29-19 at the break, appeared poised to avenge a home loss to Montana from just a month prior. Instead, the Grizzlies authored a remarkable comeback, outscoring Idaho 54-39 in the second half to secure the season series sweep and improve to 14-11 overall. Idaho fell to 13-11.

The game’s defining shift occurred immediately after halftime. Montana, which managed only 19 points on 25% shooting in the first half, erupted for 34 points in the first 10 minutes of the second period. The Grizzlies opened the half on a 13-4 run, fueled by consecutive three-pointers from Tyler Thompson and a revitalized inside presence, to erase the double-digit deficit in under four minutes.

Montana’s offensive efficiency, dormant for the opening 20 minutes, became overwhelming. The Grizzlies shot 64% from the field in the second half, including 7-of-13 from three-point range. Their offensive rating of 102.1 for the game, compared to Idaho’s 91.0, underscored the turnaround. Idaho, despite forcing 15 turnovers and collecting 10 steals, could not sustain its early defensive pressure or find consistent scoring outside of guard Biko Johnson.

Johnson was a one-man offensive force for the Vandals, scoring a game-high 22 points. His early efforts, including a hook shot and a three-pointer, were instrumental in building Idaho’s first-half lead, which grew as large as 12 points. The Vandals’ defense held Montana scoreless for stretches exceeding four minutes on two separate occasions before halftime.

Montana’s comeback was a balanced and relentless effort. Five Grizzlies scored in double figures, led by Money Williams with 14 points and four assists. Te’Jon Sawyer added 13 points and a game-high nine rebounds, providing crucial interior play. Brooklyn Hicks scored 12 of his 12 points in the second half, including a driving layup and a three-pointer during the decisive surge. Grant Kepley also had 12 points and five assists, while Tyler Thompson chipped in 12 points, all from beyond the arc.

The most important sequence of the game came with just over seven minutes remaining and Montana holding a slim 48-45 lead. Idaho’s Isaiah Brickner hit a three-pointer to tie the game, but Montana responded with a 10-2 run over the next two minutes. The spurt included a hook shot from Sawyer, a three-pointer from Hicks, and a layup from Kepley, pushing the lead to 58-50 and forcing an Idaho timeout. The Vandals would never draw even again.

Idaho made a final push in the closing minutes. A three-pointer by Jack Payne, who finished with 12 points, cut the deficit to 66-64 with just over three minutes left. On the ensuing possession, however, Montana’s Williams answered with a difficult step-back jumper to restore a two-possession lead. Idaho then committed a critical turnover, and Montana sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final 18 seconds.

The statistical sheet highlighted the tale of two halves. Montana finished the game shooting 48.1% from the field and 44% on three-pointers, while Idaho shot 37.9% overall. The Vandals won the battle on the offensive glass, 9-5, and scored 16 points off turnovers, but were ultimately undone by Montana’s 12-5 advantage in fast-break points and its scorching second-half shooting.

The victory gives Montana momentum heading into its next contest, a home rivalry game against Montana State on Feb. 14. Idaho, which has now lost two straight after a win at Northern Arizona, looks to regroup when it hosts Weber State on Wednesday.