MISSOULA, Montana — In an exciting showdown at the Stew Morrill Classic on Monday night, Montana emerged victorious over Utah Tech with a narrow 69-66 win, highlighted by a crucial performance from Kai Johnson, who contributed 16 points, including four key points in the game’s final moments.

As the clock wound down, Johnson executed a layup, securing a one-point advantage for his team. Although he missed the subsequent free throw attempt, he quickly retrieved his own rebound and was fouled again, which allowed him to sink two free throws with just three seconds remaining, sealing the Grizzlies’ victory.

With the game on the line, Hakim Byrd of Utah Tech attempted a shot to tie the game as time expired, but it fell short, handing Montana the win.

In addition to Johnson’s late-game heroics, he also recorded five rebounds and three steals for the Grizzlies, who improved to a 4-3 record with this triumph. Brandon Whitney matched Johnson’s scoring total, finishing with 16 points on an efficient 6 of 11 shooting from the field and converting 4 out of 5 from the charity stripe. Joe Pridgen also contributed nine points and shot 50% from the field.

For Utah Tech, Beon Riley stood out as the top performer, registering a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Justin Bieker added his support with 13 points, while Hakim Byrd concluded his evening with 10 points, alongside five assists and two steals, but it was not enough to clinch the win for the Trailblazers, who fell to 1-6 on the season.