Otahks fall in opener to Montana

EDINBURG, Texas -- Southeast Missouri State University women's basketball team dropped its season opener Friday night, falling 78-63 to Montana in a first-round game of the four-team Texas-Pan American Tournament.

Montana (1-0), considered to be a title contender in the Big Sky Conference, shot a sizzling 57 percent from the field on its way to victory. Cheryl Keller led the way with 22 points while Hollie Tyler added 14.

The Lady Grizzlies were also 12 of 14 from the free-throw line.

Southeast's Lori Chase connected on 10 of 13 shots from the field on her way to a game-high 27 points. Tiffany Mells, 14 points, was the only other Otahkian to score more than seven points.

Montana opened up a 36-26 lead by halftime .

The Lady Grizzlies, who will play for the championship tonight, held a 32-24 rebounding advantage over Southeast, which will play in today's consolation contest.