Erik Rush scored 22 points, including making nine free throws, to push Montana State past Northern Arizona 86-78 on Friday night.
The Bobcats (8-6, 2-0 Big Sky) got ahead early, shooting 53.3 percent from the floor in the first half and leading 44-25 at intermission. They led by as many as 28 points midway through the second period.
The Lumberjacks (8-6, 0-2) rallied late in the game, shooting 61.8 percent from the field in the second half and outscoring Montana State 53-42.
The final score, however, was as close as the Lumberjacks got.
Bobby Howard helped out the Bobcats with 21 points and a game-high eight rebounds while Rod Singleton scored 13 and Shawn Reid 11.
Shane Johannsen led the Lumberjacks with 15 points as Gabe Rogers added 12 points and Durrell Norman 10.
