I did a running game-commentary with Colin O'Keefe over at Grizzoulian tonight. I'll let that serve as an adequate in-depth analysis of this game, won 60-49 by the homestanding Santa Clara Broncos.
The story of the game was in the stats: another disastrous first-half shooting output from the team (20 points equaled the season low they scored at home against the Portland Pilots) and then several missed front-ends of one-and-one free throw opportunities in the late going after the Grizzlies had narrowed the gap to eight points. The Griz shot 23 percent in the first half and ended up shooting 33 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. The Griz lose by 11 but shoot only 53 percent from the free throw line (7-for-13).
I know there are several Grizzly Journal readers who study basketball statistics carefully. Maybe they can provide some info on shooting percentages as a gauge for winning success. I'm not certain of the precise percentage, but I believe it's broadly acknowledged that a college basketball team won't win very often if it shoots consistently below 43 percent from the field.
The Grizzlies' season-long field goal shooting average is above 43 percent, but dropping steadily after 35 percent shooting nights against Portland and Santa Clara.
A final note on Grizzly Commentator Mick Holien's broadcast. Former Montana shooting guard Mike Warhank (1996-99) did an excellent job supporting Holien's play-by-play with accurate, objective and observant color analysis. Thanks to Mick & Mike for a some great broadcasting!
