MISSOULA, Mont. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a staggering disparity in ball security, the Montana Lady Griz overcame a career-high scoring performance from Northern Arizona’s Naomi White to edge the Lumberjacks 76-72 in a Big Sky Conference women’s basketball clash Monday afternoon at Dahlberg Arena.

The contest, witnessed by 2,449 fans, turned decisively on Montana’s ability to capitalize on its few mistakes and Northern Arizona’s inability to punish Montana’s many. The Lady Griz committed 19 turnovers, a figure that would typically spell defeat. However, the Lumberjacks could only convert those into 12 points. Conversely, Montana scored 23 points off just six Northern Arizona turnovers, a devastating efficiency that ultimately decided the four-point margin.

The game’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final minute. Trailing 72-70, Montana’s Avery Waddington was fouled after securing an offensive rebound and sank two clutch free throws with 3.1 seconds remaining to provide the final margin. Those free throws were part of a perfect 12-for-12 afternoon at the line for the Lady Griz, a stark contrast to Northern Arizona’s 17-of-26 struggle.

White, a 5-foot-9 guard from Omaha, Nebraska, was spectacular in defeat, pouring in 29 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including five three-pointers, while adding five rebounds and playing all 40 minutes. Her backcourt mate, Madison Watts of San Pedro, California, added 20 points and nine rebounds. Emma Dasovich contributed 15 points for the Lumberjacks.

Montana’s victory was a product of superior shooting and timely playmaking despite the turnover woes. The Lady Griz shot a blistering 50% from the field and an even more impressive 50% from three-point range, connecting on 14 of 28 attempts. Northern Arizona shot 40% overall and a respectable 41% from deep but attempted eight fewer shots in the game, a direct result of Montana’s plus-five rebounding edge and the Lumberjacks’ own failure to control the ball.

Jocelyn Land led Montana with 20 points, fueled by a 6-for-10 shooting performance from beyond the arc. Draya Wacker of Melstone, Montana, provided a crucial all-around effort with 15 points, six assists and five rebounds, though she also accounted for seven of her team’s turnovers. Kennedy Gillette added 17 points, and Waddington finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

The game featured 10 ties and 11 lead changes, with neither team building a double-digit advantage. Montana established an early lead, ending the first quarter up 20-11, but Northern Arizona chipped away, trailing 37-28 at halftime. The Lumberjacks’ most sustained push came in the third quarter, where they outscored Montana 21-21 to stay within striking distance, and they won the fourth quarter 23-18 but could never overtake the Lady Griz in the final minutes.

Statistically, the game presented a paradox. Northern Arizona dominated the hustle categories, recording 10 steals to Montana’s two and dishing out 10 assists against only two for the Lady Griz. Montana’s offense, however, operated with high efficiency when it did not give the ball away, posting an offensive rating of 107.5 points per 100 possessions compared to Northern Arizona’s 102.3.

With the loss, Northern Arizona falls to 7-13 overall and 2-5 in Big Sky play. Montana improves to 4-13 and 2-4. The Lady Griz avenged a 72-81 home loss to the Lumberjacks just 18 days prior on Jan. 1.

Northern Arizona continues its road trip at Northern Colorado on Saturday. Montana travels to face Weber State on Thursday.