Lady Griz Rout Montana Western 91-45

Montana opened its season with a 46-point win over Montana Western at Robin Selvig Court on Tuesday night.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Basketball

The Montana Lady Griz defeated Montana Western 91-45 in their season opener on Tuesday night. Montana trailed by just four points at halftime before outscoring its opponent 59-17 in the second half.

Why it matters

The win gives a roster with nine newcomers its first competitive result of the season before a demanding Big 12 schedule begins. Montana's second-half surge suggests its depth can carry the team when early shooting is inconsistent.

Junior Avery Waddington scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while freshman Hayden Kauth led the team with 13 points, hitting three of five three-pointers. Montana made just six of 19 field goal attempts in the first quarter before scoring 27 points in the fourth.

The players

Montana Lady Griz

The women's basketball program of the University of Montana, competing in the Big Sky Conference and now the Big 12 Conference.

Montana Western

The NAIA athletics program of Montana Western University in Dillon, Montana, which opened its season against the Lady Griz.

The details

Montana trailed by four at halftime, then opened the third quarter on a 9-2 run, using fast-break points, interior scoring, and defensive pressure to pull away. Head coach Harris credited Montana Western's zone defense and first-game jitters for the slow start.

Tuesday night (Nov. 3, 2026): Montana defeats Montana Western 91-45 at Robin Selvig Court.
Saturday: Montana plays BYU in a Big 12 game in Provo, Utah.
Nov. 10: Montana plays Kansas State in Manhattan, Kansas.
Friday, Nov. 13: Montana hosts Houston in a Big 12 game.
One month from Tuesday: Montana opens Big Sky play against Northern Arizona.

Season Trajectory

The opening win sets the tone for a season that moves quickly into Big 12 competition, with road games at BYU and Kansas State before a home matchup with Houston. Montana's depth and balanced scoring will be tested as the Big 12 schedule takes shape alongside the return to Big Sky play one month later.

The opener shows how the Lady Griz plan to rely on depth, with nine newcomers and balanced scoring in the first game. Fans following fantasy or league standings should watch the upcoming Big 12 road trips, which will shape the team's early conference record.

The takeaway

Montana's second-half surge shows that a slow start does not decide a game when the bench and defense can take over. Keep an eye on how the newcomers develop as Big 12 play begins.

What happens next

Montana plays BYU on Saturday, Kansas State on Nov. 10, and Houston on Friday, Nov. 13, before opening Big Sky play against Northern Arizona one month after its opener.