Colton Iverson had 18 points and eight rebounds as Colorado State overcame a cold-shooting first half to defeat Montana 72-65 Friday night in the season opener for both teams.
Daniel Bejarano added 12 points and Greg Smith and Dorian Green 11 each for Colorado State, which gave first-year coach Larry Eustachy the 403rd win of his career.
The Rams shot just 6 of 24 from the floor in the first half but stayed in the game thanks to a decided rebounding advantage. They finished with a 44-21 edge in rebounding, including 19 offensive boards.
Keron DeShields led Montana with 17 points, and Colorado native Jordan Gregory had 10. The Grizzlies' streak of 12 consecutive regular-season victories ended.
Montana played without returning leading scorer Will Cherry, who was sidelined with a foot injury.
