Baker leads Griz to title game
<p>Montana's Katie Baker (22), a former Lake City High standout, leaps for a loose ball Friday.</p>
Former Lake City High standout Katie Baker came off the bench to score 16 points in Montana's 55-46 win over Northern Colorado in the semifinals of the Big Sky Conference tournament Friday night in Portland.
Stephanie Stender added 11 points and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds for the Lady Griz (17-14), while Kenzie De Boer finished with 10 points.
Montana, which stymied Northern Colorado with its 2-3 zone defense, led 25-20 at the half and took advantage of poor shooting by the Bears, who were 18 of 52 from the field. UNC (17-13) forced 24 turnovers with a full-court press defense, but it wasn't enough to stop Montana.
The Lady Griz will play Portland State in the championship game today (2 p.m., DirecTV 681, Dish Network 410) for an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament.
Portland State 73, Eastern Washington 62: At Portland, Ore., Courtney VanBrocklin scored 17 points, leading Portland State (20-10) past Eastern Washington (13-18) in the other semifinal.
Chene Cooper led the Eagles with 18 points, Brianne Ryan added 17.