NASSAU, Bahamas -- The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team played a close first half against defending Big Sky champion Montana in Friday's opening game of the Islands of the Bahama's Showcase, but the Grizzlies used strong second-half outside shooting and an effective inside game to prevail, 93-66.
 
UIW now has a 3-2 record.
 
The Cardinals will play North Dakota State on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Kendell Isaacs Gymnasium.  The Bison fell to Miami (Ohio), 89-78, in Friday's second game.
 
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NOTABLES

• Morgan Taylor and Christian Peevy each scored 12 points for the Cardinals.
• Antoine Smith had nine points for UIW.
• Taylor and Smith had six rebounds each.

HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half:

• UIW started Smith, Cody Graham, Taylor, Bryce Davis, and Jorden Kite.
• Smith hit a long three-pointer to tie the score at 7-7.
• Taylor hit a layup and a foul shot to put UIW ahead, 12-10, with 12:50 left.
• Four free throws in close succession by Peevy gave UIW a 19-15 lead.
• A basket by Taylor gave UIW a 24-23 lead with 6:50 remaining.
• Augustine Ene's three-pointer gave UIW a 27-23 lead with six minutes left.
• Montana went on a 19-9 run in the last six minutes to take a 42-36 halftime lead.
• Taylor had 10 points, Smith nine, and Ene seven at halftime.
• UIW shot 41 percent in the first half; Montana shot 53 percent.

Second Half:

• Cody Graham hit a three pointer to cut the Montana lead to four, 44-40, early in the second half.
• The Grizzlies established a 50-40 lead with 15:49 remaining in the half.
• Montana extended its lead to 72-46 with 9:15 remaining in the game en route to victory.

STAY TUNED
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