Johnson’s 30-point game lifts Montana past Idaho State 91-68

Montana rips Idaho State 91-68

MISSOULA, Mont. — Anthony Johnson poured in 30 points and Brian Qvale added 18 to lead Montana to a 91-68 thumping of Idaho State Saturday night.

The Grizzlies (17-7, 8-4 Big Sky) avenged a two-point loss on Dec. 31 in Pocatello, Idaho, and took advantage of the absence of Amorrow Morgan, the Bengals’ leading scorer who was sidelined by a sprained ankle suffered Friday against Montana State.

Montana led 53-46 with 12:51 remaining before putting it away with a 21-2 run over a 5-minute span. The Grizzlies sizzled from the floor, shooting 65 percent (32-of-49) for the game. Qvale was 8-for-8 from the field to go with a game-high nine rebounds.

Broderick Gilchrest scored 22 points to lead Idaho State (6-17, 3-8), which has dropped three in a row. Austin Kilpatrick and Chron Tatum added 13 apiece.

Montana won its fourth in a row and improved to 12-1 at home.