ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by explosive runs, suffocating defense, and a career-defining performance, the Montana Lady Griz snapped a two-game skid with a gritty 90-85 overtime victory over the Tarleton State Texans in a nonconference women’s basketball thriller Saturday at Kimbrell Arena.

The contest, witnessed by 123 fans, was a tale of two halves and an extra period, ultimately decided by Montana’s poise and the spectacular play of guard Mack Konig. The sophomore from Milton, Canada, erupted for a career-high 35 points, adding five rebounds and four assists in nearly 42 minutes, spearheading a second-half comeback and dominating the overtime session.

Tarleton State, fueled by a raucous home atmosphere, blitzed Montana from the opening tip. The Texans’ pressure and efficient three-point shooting—they finished 12 of 24 from beyond the arc—propelled them to a 25-point first quarter and a 44-29 halftime lead. Gia Adams of Houston orchestrated the early offense, finishing with 22 points and eight assists, while Jakoriah Long of Waco added 18 points. Shadasia Brackens of Fairfield was a force inside, contributing 19 points and eight rebounds.

The most important part of the game, however, was Montana’s dramatic and sustained response after intermission. The Lady Griz, who entered the game with a 2-8 record, emerged from the locker room with renewed defensive intensity. They held Tarleton State to 18 points in the third quarter while unleashing a 24-point period of their own, fueled by Konig’s relentless drives and timely three-pointers from Aby Shubert of Kasson, Minnesota, who scored all 12 of her points after halftime.

Montana’s defense was the catalyst. After committing just five turnovers all game, they forced the Texans into 11, converting those into 20 critical points. The Lady Griz also recorded seven steals and four blocks, with Avery Waddington of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, anchoring the paint with three blocks and 10 rebounds to go with her 18 points. Jocelyn Land of Chanhassen, Minnesota, was pivotal with 19 points, nine rebounds, and a key block in the final minutes of regulation.

The fourth quarter was a tense back-and-forth affair. Tarleton State, which fell to 6-5, saw its once-comfortable lead vanish entirely. With the score tied at 78 and seconds remaining in regulation, Montana’s defense delivered a defining stand. Waddington blocked a potential game-winning layup attempt by Adams at the buzzer to force overtime, capping a furious Montana comeback from a 15-point deficit.

Konig owned the extra period. She scored nine of Montana’s 12 overtime points, including a driving layup and a free throw to open the scoring, and a crucial turnaround jumper that extended the lead. Tarleton State, which scored only seven points in overtime, was hampered when Adams fouled out with 21 seconds left. The Texans had one final chance to tie, but a desperation three-pointer from Adams was off the mark, and Konig secured the final rebound as time expired.

Statistically, the teams were remarkably even from the field, with Montana shooting 47.1% to Tarleton’s 44.3%. The difference came at the free-throw line, where the Lady Griz were a near-perfect 14 of 15, and in ball security. Montana’s seven assists to only five turnovers showcased a controlled offense, while Tarleton State managed just two assists against their 11 turnovers.

The win provides a significant momentum boost for Montana as it prepares to open Big Sky Conference play on the road next week. For Tarleton State, it was a second consecutive overtime game and a hard-fought loss in a contest they controlled for long stretches. Both teams now turn their focus to the start of league play, with Montana carrying the confidence of a resilient road victory forged by its star guard’s standout performance and a collective defensive effort when it mattered most.