Bogdan Bliznyuk’s 28 points lead Eastern Washington over Montana

MISSOULA – Bogdan Bliznyuk had 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds to help Eastern Washington split the season series with a 72-60 win over Montana on Thursday night.

Mason Peatling added 13 for the Eagles (14-7, 6-2 Big Sky), who were up 35-27 at halftime and expanded the lead steadily throughout the second half. Luka Vulikic and Jacob Wiley had 10 points each.

Sayeed Pridgett hit back-to-back jumpers around the 10-minute mark to bring the Grizzlies (10-12, 5-4) within eight points, but Eastern Washington answered with a 10-2 run and led by at least 12 the rest of the way.

Michael Oguine led Montana with 14 points and seven rebounds and Pridgett scored 11.

The Grizzlies opened the game with a 6-0 run and mostly held the lead until Eastern surged in front with a 7-0 run to lead 26-20 on Peatling’s 3-pointer with 3:21 left in the half.