Dean’s free throw with 2.5 seconds to play helps Eastern Washington beat Montana 69-68

Dean lifts Eastern Washington past Montana 69-68

CHENEY, Wash. — Glen Dean had 23 points and seven assists, and sank a foul shot with 2.5 seconds left that carried Eastern Washington to a 69-68 victory over Montana on Sunday.

Jeffrey Forbes added 18 points and Mark Dunn 13 for the Eagles (8-18, 4-8 Big Sky), winners of consecutive games for the first time since Nov. 21. Anthony Johnson scored 28 points for the Grizzlies (18-8, 9-5), who had won five straight.

After Montana’s Michael Taylor tied the game at 68-all with a corner 3-pointer with 24.8 seconds left, Dean was fouled on a drive to the basket. The freshman hit the first shot, missed the second intentionally and Montana — without a timeout — was forced into a desperation shot attempt by Will Cherry from halfcourt.

Behind 59-percent shooting, Eastern Washington opened a 36-28 halftime edge that was quickly erased by Montana’s 9-0 burst to start the second half.