Dec. 17, 2005
MISSOULA, Mont. –
Montana’s Mandy Morales hit a school-record 18 free throws to lead the Lady Griz to an 83-74 victory over Miami Friday night at Dahlberg arena.
Playing in their first road game of the season, Miami’s (7-2) entire starting lineup scored in double figures against the highlighted by Renee Taylor’s 18-point outing. Brittany Denson added 12 points with 10 rebounds making her the first UM freshman to record a double-double since teammate Tamara James‘ 2002-03 freshman campaign.
Miami could not overcome Montana’s (6-2) free throw shooting, sending the Lady Griz to the line a total of 45 time led by Morales’ 18-of-21 performance which set Montana records for both free throws made and attempted.
The Hurricanes jumped out to an early five point lead in the game’s first five minutes but saw that lead fade as the Lady Griz put together an 11-1 run to go up by five at 21-16 with 8:45 remaining in the first half.
After taking a 13-point, 44-31 lead into the half, Montana scored five unanswered points to open the second, going up by 18 at 49-31. From that point, the Hurricanes chipped away at the Lady Griz lead eventually cutting the deficit to four at 53-49 just under five minutes later.
The two teams battled back and forth for the next seven minutes as Miami kept within nine points of the lead. Following a made layup by Taylor and a good free throw attempt off of a foul on the play, Denson put the Hurricanes within three points at 62-59 putting back one of her eight offensive rebounds with 5:17 left.
Montana answered to go up 65-61 with 3:57 left but on UM’s next possession, scored two of her 13 points to bring Miami back within two with 3:24 showing.
Dana Conway hit a three-pointer Montana’s next trip down the floor and the Lady Griz would not let the Hurricanes back within six points of the lead for the remainder of the game, going on to take the 83-74 win.
Miami’s Katie Hayek scored a season-high 14 point and Melissa Knight turned in 10 points with six rebounds.
The Hurricanes return to action Tuesday, facing in-state foe UCF in Orlando at 7 p.m.
