Will Cherry had 24 points and 10 assists and hit two crucial free throws with 8 seconds left to lead Montana to an 85-84 victory over Portland State on Thursday night.

Brian Qvale added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Big Sky Conference-leading Grizzlies (20-8, 12-3).

Chehales Tapscott scored 28 points to lead Portland (12-15, 4-10).

Forced to foul down the stretch, Portland State put Cherry on the free-throw line, and he hit two foul shots to give the Grizzlies all the cushion they needed at 85-81.

Portland State's Phil Nelson then hit a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer to account for the final score.