Ward's big 3-point basket helps push Montana past N Arizona 62-56

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Mathias Ward connected on a 3-point shot to break a tie with 4:44 left in the game and Montana went on to defeat Northern Arizona 62-56 on Wednesday night.

Montana (5-4, 1-0 Big Sky) had four men score 12 points -- Ward, Will Cherry, Jordan Gregory and Keron Deshields. Kareem Jamar scored 10 points.

Northern Arizona (4-6, 1-1) led by as many as nine points in the first half and was up by four at halftime.

DeWayne Russell hit a pair of free throws with 5:49 left in the game to knot the contest at 56 -- but Ward worked his magic about a minute later.

Gabe Rogers led Northern Arizona with 16 points, including five 3-pointers, and Russell scored 12.