MISSOULA, Montana – Hawai'i Hilo Men's Basketball wrapped up its opening weekend of play with a 92-61 defeat to Division-I Montana in an exhibition Monday evening at the Dahlberg Arena.
The Vulcans opened the game 0 of 8 from the field and fell into a 10-0 hole that they just couldn't quite climb out of. Hawai'i Hilo finished with 16 turnovers to just seven by the Grizzlies. Montana managed to dominate inside with a 62-28 advantage in points in the paint.
Jessiya Villa led Vulcans scorers with 11 points (4-7 FG).
Although counting as an exhibition for Hawai'i Hilo, it was Montana's official season opener as it moved to a 1-0 record.
OTHER NOTES
- Julio Montes II made his first (unofficial) start as a Vulcan.
- Freshman Daniel Louie made his first (unofficial) appearance of the season.
- Hawai'i Hilo held Montana to just four 3-pointers (.182) as the Grizzlies shot 12 of 23 (.522) at the free throw line.
- Kai Johnson, a fifth-year transfer from Division-II Western Washington, led all scorers with 27 points (10-14 FG).
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA GRIZZLIES
- NCAA Division I - Big Sky Conference
- Missoula, Montana
- Head Coach: Travis DeCuire (11th Season)
- Preseason Poll: No. 1 Big Sky
- 2023-24 Season: 24-12 Record (12-6 Big Sky)
UP NEXT: PacWest-GNAC Crossover – Friday, Nov. 8 vs Saint Martin's at 2 PM / 5 PM MT (Billings, Montana / Alterowitz Gymnasium - MSU Billings)
