MISSOULA, Mont. – Whitworth got a chance to measure itself against the top level of men's college basketball and the Pirates put together a strong showing in a 94-79 loss at the University of Montana in an exhibition game at Dahlberg Arena.
The Pirates cut the Grizzlies' lead to less than ten points on three occasions late in the contest, but could not complete a rally from a second-half deficit that reached as many as 19 points.
George Valle led the Pirates with 21 points before fouling out in the second half. Kenny Love added 15 points and Taylor Farnsworth had 13.
Jordan Gregory scored 22 points to lead Montana and Jermaine Edmonds came off of the bench for 19.
Whitworth had success getting inside and drawing fouls against the taller Grizzlies. The Pirates took advantage by making 30-37 from the free throw line, 20-23 in the second half. Love led the way, going 11-14 at the stripe.
Montana countered with a strong effort from three-point range, making 11-22 from beyond the arc.
Whitworth jumped out to an early seven-point lead (14-7) before the Grizzlies made 5-5 from three-point range to take control at 26-16. Montana led 47-31 at halftime.
The lead reached 19 points (69-50) with just-under 11 minutes left, but Whitworth was able to trim the lead to nine points twice in the final four minutes.
Whitworth finished the game 24-52 (46.2%) from the field, but only 1-8 (12.5%) from three-point range. The Pirates managed a rebounding draw with the taller Grizzlies as each team finished with 32 boards.
Whitworth will officially open the season on November 15th when the Pirates host D'Youville College.
