Montana goes 2–0 in Big Sky, tops Sacramento State 52-50

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Kendal Manuel hit two free throws with two seconds left in the game to lift Montana to a 52-50 win over Sacramento State in a Big Sky Conference showdown on Monday night.

James Bridges gave Sacramento State the lead, 49-48 with his 3-pointer with :58 left. Timmy Falls missed a 3 to retake the lead but Manuel grabbed the rebound and drew a foul he turned into two free throws to make it 50-49 with :39 left. Isayah Mouriohooho-Le’ afa hit the second of two free throws with :02 remaining to pull the Hornets even at 50-50 before Manuel drew a foul from Bryce Fowler to set up the winning free throws.

Montana (6-7, 2-0 Big Sky) needed a comeback to win its conference opener Saturday, knocking off Northern Arizona and the two-game sweep to open conference play gives the Grizzlies five straight wins at home.

Jared Samuelson had 17 points and eight rebounds to lead Montana, with Sayeed Pridgett adding 14 points and Manuel 13 points on 6-for-6 shooting from the line.

Joshua Patton had 10 points and Brandon Davis pulled down 11 rebounds to lead Sacramento State (7-4, 0-2).