Montana State pulls away late to beat Eastern Washington 74-66

BOZEMAN – Harald Frey scored eight of his 22 points during a 10-2 run in the final 2 minutes as Montana State beat Eastern Washington 74-66 on Thursday night.

Jesse Hunt’s layup gave Eastern Washington a 66-64 lead with 2:35 to play. Frey answered with a 3-pointer, a jumper and three free throws and the Bobcats led 72-66. The Eagles had three turnovers and missed three shots during the stretch.

“We were getting downhill and getting some stops,” Eastern coach Shantay Legans said in a news release. “They got to the line a lot more than us, and that’s a big difference in points. When you make five free throws on the road and they make 19, it’s hard to stay in those games and try to battle.

“I guess we have to do a better job driving to the basket hard and strong, and make sure we finish better at the rim.”

Montana State (10-12, 7-5 Big Sky Conference) has won three of its last four games. Eastern Washington (8-14, 6-5) had its three-game win streak snapped.

Frey made three 3-pointers and was 9 of 12 at the free-throw line. Devin Kirby added 19 points for Montana State.

Jacob Davison scored 24 points and Tyler Kidd added 18 for the Eagles (8-14, 6-5). Mason Peatling added eight points and 10 rebounds.

“We just have to play smarter,” Legans said. “It’s a tough one to lose tonight – we gave one away.”