Montana State Upset In Tournament Opener

Derrick Higgins had eight of his 17 points in a 23-4 run that carried Cal State Northridge to a 74-56 upset of Montana State in the first game of the Big Sky Conference men’s basketball tournament Thursday night.

Trenton Cross scored 16 points for the Matadors (13-14) and Gerald Rhoden had 11.

Nate Holmstadt had 15 points for Montana State (16-14) and Dan Sullivan scored 12.

Northridge took advantage of MSU’s poor shooting, a problem since Danny Sprinkle, last year’s tournament MVP, was sidelined with wrist and shoulder injuries five games ago. Montana State shot 34 percent from the field and only 26 percent in the second half.

There were 25 lead changes, the last when Higgins made a 3-pointer with 10:54 remaining.

Jimmy Smith, who didn’t earn a starting job until midway through the season, scored a career-high 25 points in Weber State’s 68-58 win over Idaho State Thursday night.