Final
  for this game

Montana State defeats Colorado Christian 68-58

Nov 18, 2009 - 4:22 AM BOZEMAN, Mont.(AP) -- Erik Rush scored a career-high 25 points to lead Montana State to a 68-58 win over Colorado Christian Tuesday night.

Rush, a junior guard, scored 16 of his points in the second half as the Bobcats (1-1) fought off the Division II Cougars (0-1). MSU played without both starting guards, Marquis Navarre and Will Bynum, who were suspended by the NCAA for the team's first two games for competing in an unsanctioned summer tournament.

Justin Neuhaus led Colorado Christian with 17 points. Jobi Wall added 13.

Bobby Howard made four of eight 3-point attempts to tally 19 points for MSU. Branden Johnson added 11 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

The Bobcats led 35-32 at halftime and slowly pulled away, taking a 13-point lead on a Rush breakaway dunk late in the second half.