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Colorado State Defeats Montana 72-65

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) - Colton Iverson had 18 points and eight rebounds as Colorado State overcame a cold-shooting first half to defeat Montana 72-65 Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

Daniel Bejarano added 12 points and Greg Smith and Dorian Green 11 each for Colorado State, which gave first-year coach Larry Eustachy the 403rd win of his career.

The Rams shot just 6 of 24 from the floor in the first half but stayed in the game thanks to a decided rebounding advantage. They finished with a 44-21 edge in rebounding, including 19 offensive boards.

Keron DeShields led Montana with 17 points, and Colorado native Jordan Gregory had 10. The Grizzlies' streak of 12 consecutive regular-season victories ended.

Montana played without returning leading scorer Will Cherry, who was sidelined with a foot injury.

After shooting 29 percent in the first half, Colorado State scored the first eight points of the second half to lead 35-34.

Gregory made a 3-pointer, putting the Grizzlies up 44-39, but Wes Eikmeier tied the game at 46-46 with a 3-pointer with 13:47 left. After Iverson tied the game at 50-50 with a layup and free throw, Eikmeier hit the next seven points for the Rams, who led 57-52.

DeShields hit a 3-pointer and free throw, and Kevin Henderson connected on a shot to get Montana within 68-65 with 2:05 remaining. Iverson sealed the game with two free throws and a steal.

Eikmeier finished with 10 points.

Montana shot 59 percent in the first half to lead 34-27 at intermission.

- By DALE BUBLITZ, Associated Press

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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