Bobcats Make Tourney Final

Big Sky/Pac-10/WCC

Danny Sprinkle scored 30 points in 18 minutes Monday night to lead Montana State to a 107-66 victory over Mississippi Valley State in the opening round of the Buttrey Big Fresh Classic men’s basketball tournament in Bozeman, Mont.

The Bobcats (7-3) will play San Diego in today’s championship game. Sprinkle scored 24 of his points in the first half. As a team, the Bobcats hit 76.5 of their shots in the first half, opening the game with a 31-6 run and taking a 64-28 lead into the break.

Montana State took its biggest lead, 94-47, with 8:38 left. Led by Damon Ollie’s 13 boards, the Bobcats outrebounded the Delta Devils 57-40.

Idaho State 75, Tenn. Tech 56

In Pocatello, Idaho, Johnny Mitchell scored 19 points to lead the Bengals (4-6) over the Golden Eagles (4-8).

The Golden Eagles tied the game at 44 early in the second half, but the Bengals then went on a 14-0 run, during which Mitchell scored eight points.

California 66, Virg. Common. 57

In Oakland, Calif., Francisco Elson grabbed 17 rebounds and the Golden Bears (4-4) survived a woeful shooting night to fight off the Rams (4-6) and win the Golden Bear Classic.

California won its fourth straight despite hitting just 21 of 63 shots (33 percent).

Oregon St. 76, Kent 68

In Hilo, Hawaii, J.B. Bickerstaff and Corey Benjamin led a second-half charge to power the Beavers (8-2) over the Golden Flashes (4-7) in the Hilo Holiday Shootout.

The Beavers led by four at halftime.

Santa Clara 89, Penn 76 (2OT)

In San Jose, Calif., Brian Jones hit a desperation 3-pointer to force a second overtime and the Broncos (8-2) went on to beat the Quakers (3-5) in the first round of the Cable Car Classic.

C.S. Northridge 115, Dom. Hills 71

In Northridge, forward Jabari Simmons scored a game-high 21 points as the Matadors (4-6) routed the Toros (3-6).