LEWISTON, Idaho – Montana-Western took a tie game at halftime, slowly expanded the gap between itself and the host Lewis-Clark State Warriors in the second half then took full control in the final seven minutes to win a key Frontier Conference game, 98-83, Friday night at the Activity Center.
 
"Western is such a good offensive team," Warrior coach Brandon Rinta said, "and they proved it tonight."
 
Rinta said all it took to see where the game was lost was a glance at Western's shooting percertages: 55.7 from the field and 55 percent from 3-point range. The Warriors countered with 44.4 from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range, and an uncharacteristic 62.5 percent from the free throw line.
 
"It wasn't too complicated tonight," he said after the Warriors dropped to 20-7 overall, 9-6 in league play. "We weren't able to guard them. They have five weapons out there than can make you pay."
 
For the Warriors, the game was a night-and-day difference from their last encounter with the Bulldogs, which LC won in double overtime.
 
"Tonight," Rinta said, "we just weren't quite able to keep pace with them. Defensively, we weren't at the level we needed to be."
 
Four Warriors did reach double figures with Cory Dollarhide leading the way with 19, Trea Thomas adding 18, Race Martin 11 and Andre McCowan 10. Jeremy Franklin had seven rebounds and Derrick White had six.