BOISE, Idaho — The Montana Grizzlies have once again stamped their dominance on the Big Sky Conference by clinching their 12th tournament title with a thrilling 91-83 victory over Northern Colorado at the Idaho Central Arena on March 13, 2025. This victory marks the Grizzlies' return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.
With both teams evenly matched, the championship manifested as one of the season's high-stakes showdowns, filled with remarkable shooting performances. Montana, the No. 2 seed, excelled with an impressive 65.2% shooting percentage, displaying offensive prowess throughout the game, particularly during pivotal stretches.
Each element of the game, from momentum to strategy, played out under the glare of ESPN 2 cameras, making this high-stakes clash not just significant for the two teams, but also for NCAA basketball fans nationwide. Head Coach Travis DeCuire emphasized the importance of teamwork and commitment during his post-game press conference. "I've got so many thoughts. I don't know where to begin or end," he reflected. "This team had a combination of everything, but what makes this team special is their commitment to one another and the sacrifices they were willing to make. I’m going to enjoy this trip to the NCAA tournament with these guys as much as any I've had."
The Grizzlies fired out of the gate, making their first six field goals and building early momentum. By halftime, they led Northern Colorado 48-39. Their execution remained flawless at times, with Montana completing 14 consecutive shots between the first and second halves, showcasing their offensive rhythm, which Coach DeCuire described as key to their success. Among the shining stars was Kai Johnson, who scored 23 points, including significant points during clutch moments, asserting his importance on the court.
Montana's Brandon Whitney was named Tournament MVP for his exemplary performance, adding 18 points and asserting himself as a decisive leader on the floor. Whitney disclosed his motivation for returning to the team for another season, stating, "Ever since our last game (last year), I wanted it. That’s one of the reasons I came back, was to win the Big Sky championship and the Big Sky tournament. I just put everything I had it."
Joe Pridgen's memory will certainly linger; he scored 17 points and managed to energize the crowd with a massive dunk during the closing minutes of the game, marking his contribution as one of several notable moments for the Grizzlies. Other key contributors included Malik Moore, who scored 15 points, and the depth displayed by the entire team continuously frustrated Northern Colorado's defense.
On the other side of the court, Northern Colorado also displayed formidable talent led by Jaron Rillie, who amassed 24 points on 75% shooting. Despite their concerted effort—and their own solid 58.8% shooting—Northern Colorado couldn't overcome Montana's decisive offensive display.
Montana's road to this championship was no easy feat; they faced hurdles both on and off the court throughout the season. Coach DeCuire later remarked on the adversity faced this season, stating, "I can't speak to everything this team has been through, but the team knows. And I've never been around a basketball team with as much adversity as we have had, and to see these guys come together and support one another through it has been huge."
Now boasting a 25-9 overall record, Montana's victorious end to the season included 14 wins out of their last 15 games—an apt reflection of their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure. This tournament victory puts them back on the national stage, as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament next week.
Montana once again solidified its standing with this title—marking the 51st win in Big Sky Tournament history, extending their record for the most tournament wins. The Grizzlies demonstrated not just shooting talent but also team cohesion and strategic teamwork, allowing them to capitalize on opportunities throughout the game.
Reflecting on their achievement, Coach DeCuire remarked on the significance of their perfect play for long stretches and the camaraderie of his players. "I truly believe every guy in this program loves each other, the way they treat each other, the way they sacrifice for one another. When I started seeing the bond they formed, I knew we had a chance."
With the anticipation building for the NCAA Tournament, Montana's eye is firmly set on advancing past the first round and making history by securing the first tournament victory for the Big Sky Conference since the Grizzlies upset Nevada back in 2006. The playoffs promise to be intense for the Grizzlies, but their recent performances suggest they are more than ready for the challenge.