MSU-N basketball teams leave Great Falls victorious

Having already blown out the University of Great Falls in home games last month, both the Montana State University-Northern men's and women's basketball teams were expecting much tougher games when the Lights and Skylights traveled to UGF. But in the second meeting of the season, it was more of the same as both MSU-N teams took care of UGF Friday night at the McLaughlin Center. The MSU-N women jumped out to a big lead early, then held off the Argos in the second half for a 74-59 win. MSU-N had four players reach double figures, led by junior Zivile Gaizutyte, who scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Big Sandy native Laci Keller was also dominant in the paint, scoring 12 points and pulling down seven boards. Guards Samm Schermele and Taylor Keller added 13 points each. The win over the Argos was just Northern's second in its last five games. The Skylights improved to 4-6 in Frontier Conference play and 13-13 and overall. UGF, which is still winless in league play, was led in Friday night's game by Kassie Homlund's 15 points. Meanwhile, things went just as well for the Lights Friday in Great Falls. For the second time this season, Northern's stifling defense held the Argos to a poor shooting night, as MSU-N won 72-40. Friday night was the second time this season the Lights have held the Argos to under 30 percent shooting, and offensively, MSU-N rebounded from a poor shooting night last Saturday against Westminster College in Havre. Eric Tisby paced the Lights with 19 points, including four 3-pointers. Senior forward added 12 points, while seniors Andrew Sellars and Brian Santiago each scored nine. Friday's win over the Argos vaulted MSU-N into a second-place tie in the Frontier standings. Northern is 7-3 in conference play and 19-7 overall. Both the Lights and Skylights will be back on the road with games UMWestern on Friday night and Montana Tech on Saturday.