Inside Dahlberg Arena, the University of Montana men's basketball team improved to 2-1 on the season with a 57-52 win over the Idaho Vandals.

After jumping out to a 34-19 halftime lead, the Vandals slowly chipped away at the deficit, and actually outscored the Griz 33-23 in the 2nd half.

Every time Idaho made a big play, though, Montana responded.

Senior center Derek Selvig missed his third consecutive game with an ankle injury, and again the Grizzlies' other post players struggled in his absence. Sophomore Eric Hutchison started in place of the 7-0 Selvig, but was saddled with foul trouble throughout the game.

UM's starting backcourt of Will Cherry and Kareem Jamar led the way offensively. Cherry, the starting point guard, picked up a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds. The junior also made 4 of his 6 three-point attempts. Jamar added 13 points and also shot the ball well from beyond the arc, finishing 3 of 6.

Up next for the Grizzlies are two road games at San Diego on Sunday and at North Dakota on Tuesday.

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