grizzlyjournal

NCAA PLAYOFFS: Can the Montana Grizzlies 'hang' with the Lobos?

Despite the buzz generated by senior guard Anthony Johnson and the Montana Grizzlies with their come-from-behind 66-65 victory over Weber State in the Big Sky Conference championship game, there are few - if any - NCAA Playoff prognosticators who see the Griz moving beyond their first round clash with the 8th ranked New Mexico Lobos on March 18th.

Johnson had arguably one of the best single-game performances in NCAA Division 1 basketball this season with his magical 42-point effort that catapulted the Grizzlies from a 20-point halftime deficit to a thrilling 1-point win over the Wildcats. If not for AJ, the Griz would be spectators.

  But the 22-9 Grizzlies, who finished fourth in the Big Sky, have only a four-point 63-59 loss to the Pac 10 Tourney Champ Washington Huskies as a measure of their potential on the national stage. Close, but really not much proof at all.

The 29-4 Lobos, on the other hand, logged a convincing 6-0 record over nationally ranked teams, and had only two losses in Mountain West Conference play, which includes an impressive home-and-home sweep over the Mountain West second-place BYU Cougars, ranked 16th nationally.

PHOTOS: (Top to bottom, with ball) Anthony Johnson drives against Sacramento State defenders. Montana freshman point guard scores two against Weber State defender Damian Lilliard. Sophomore power forward Derek Selvig drives past Sac State post Justin Eller. Montana junior center Brian Qvale drives for two in a preason win against the Boise State Broncos. Senior wing Ryan Staudacher launches a three in Montana's home-court win over teh Portland State Vikings.

You can bet that the Lobos have drawn a bead on Johnson as well. The Lobos’ website touts junior guard Dairese Gary as the defensive specialist who will handle Johnson. The talent continues: Lobo junior forward Darington Hobson has been named to several All-America squads, while Lobos coach, Steve Alford, was named the USBWA District 8 Coach of the Year.

The Lobos earned their stripes as a squad that came up big in the clutch, winning two games in overtime and six of their final 11 games by six or fewer points... until being dumped 72-69 in the Mountain West championship game by the San Diego State Aztecs, who beat the Lobos twice.

The Lobos – though not particularly large – are very athletic, very quick, and very balanced. Several analysts have noted that Montana can’t afford a first half like it had against Weber State if it hopes to have any chance to compete, much less win.

But if the Griz can hang with the Lobos through the first half (a very big if), they might make a game of it. I agree.

And there are some indicators that Montana might just be able to hang with the Lobos. Because...

Both are western teams and have played enough common opponents over the past four years to be able to draw comparisons.

•  Comparable opponents? Yup. The Lobos beat UC Riverside 67-51, Montana clipped Riverside 67-52. The Lobos beat Colorado State twice, 82-64 and 72-66 while Montana lost 62-61 to the Rams. The Lobos steamrolled Northern Arizona by 39.The Griz beat the Jacks three times: 71-54, 84-64 and 81-60.

Beyond common opponents, Montana’s victories over Loyola Marymount (twice), Oregon, Boise State, Fresno State and , and their loss to Washington, are proof that the Grizzlies – if they played in the Mountain West – might earn a middle-to-upper division rank, perhaps as high as fourth place.

 Lastly there are several intangibles. The one which interests me the most is how the Lobos struggled against the Mountain West’s last-place Air Force Falcons, edging them late in the season by only 56-53 on their home floor. Why? The Griz know the Falcons’ style of play very well... particularly the Falcons’ match-up zone... a zone that is very similar to Montana’s. Hmmm.

Finally, what Montana loses in quickness, it makes up for in size. If the Griz get solid games from center Brian Qvale and power forward Derek Selvig, they might be able to crank up their inside-outside game. If so, Montana may have the weapons (including the perimeter shooting of Ryan Staudacher and Michael Taylor) to counter the Lobos’ quickness.

Of course, the Griz will need at least an ‘average’ game from Anthony Johnson, which means 20 points of course, and a solid game from point guard Will Cherry.

But all those ifs add up to, in my book, a competitive chance.

It’s all conjecture, of course. What the game still boils down to is the unranked, 14th seeded Big Sky Conference champ going up against the nationally 8th-ranked, third-seeded Lobos. On paper the odds don’t look very good for the Griz.

But the game isn’t played on paper, as the Grizzlies surely realize.

AJ did the hard work by leading his talented, but sometimes puzzling team over Weber State. Now that his Griz are in the playoffs, the opportunity is there. It’ll be fun to see how this team handles their golden opportunity.

Go Griz.

Montana's Johnson 'made every shot known to man' – Randy Rahe

There’s an abundance of excellent coverage of Montana’s thrilling 66-65 Big Sky Conference Championship win over the Weber State Wildcats yesterday, including game-story perspectives from local and national perspectives, and several quality photo slide shows.

The star, of course, was Montana’s Anthony Johnson, whose 42 points (34 in the second half) and pull-up jumper with 11 seconds remaining encapsulated the game’s marquee attraction.

We’ve provided links below, but felt that the Ogden Standard-Examiner had the most concise single-sentence summary of the game, in the form of a quote from Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, when he said:

"It was definitely a tale of two halves. We came out and played well in the first half and what we did to them they did to us in the second half. They became the aggressors and we got back on our heels and Johnson made every shot known to man, which he's capable of doing."

Read the full story HERE:

Take some time to check out the quality photo slide show as well.

But the game was much more than that. Important was the fact that the Wildcats held Montana to 28 percent shooting in the first half... and that Montana held the Cats to 27 percent in the second half.

And that Montana’s Derek Selvig is – game-by-game –  flashing the potential of a star in his own right. Or that Montana’s overlooked junior center, Brian Qvale, had 14 rebounds and six blocked shots. Or that Montana’s Will Cherry made the key defensive stop of the game on WSU’s Damian Lilliard with five seconds remaining on the clock.

Additional perspectives of the game written (quite objectively) for partisan Weber readers were published in the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News.

The game coverage story in the Tribune by Steve Luhm has an excellent 8-word lead. But it’s Luhm’s quote by Weber State guard Lilliard describing the final seconds of the game that reveal the most about Montana freshman guard Will Cherry’s impact. You can read that story HERE:

Luhm’s sidebar on Johnson’s perspective of the game is also insightful. You can read that HERE:

Make sure to browse the Tribune’s game photo slide show as well.

Another great lead on the game, this one a 12-word intro by Andrew Aragon of the Deseret News, describes the irony of Johnson’s history-making game.

Aragon has a great quote by Montana’s own super soph, forward Selvig, who had 12 points and made several key plays down the stretch.

"We're so used to jumping on A.J.'s back and letting him carry us, and he did it one more time," said Montana forward Derek Selvig. "I'm glad he did because it was looking abysmal there for a while."

You can read Aragon’s entire story HERE:

The Deseret News' 11-photo slide show is also worth a couple of views.

Lastly, an extended AP story on the game is published on ESPN, a page which includes a photo slide show and an excellent first half-second half video report of the game.

Access to that page is HERE:

In the meantime Montana fans are debating whether or not Johnson’s game was truly the greatest by a Montana Grizzly. Most certainly his game will rank among stellar performances by players like Eric Hays, Michael Ray Richardson, Larry Krystkowiak, Marti Leibenguth, Shannon Cate and Kevin Kearney.

The neat thing about all this conjecture for Montana fans is that AJ, and his Griz teammates, get another chance next week to add to the resume’ of the 2009-10 Big Sky Champion Montana Grizzlies.

AJ: the greatest single game by a Montana basketball player

I have been watching Montana Grizzly basketball games since 1954... (whew!) And...

The 42-point performance by Montana senior guard Anthony Johnson – who single-handedly led the Grizzlies from the edge of the abyss to a 66-65 win over the Weber State Wildcats for the Big Sky Conference title – was the greatest performance by a Montana Grizzly I have ever seen.

It's most possibly the greatest single-game performance I've seen on the college level by anyone.

Montana's championship victory of the 2010 Big Sky Conference over the Wildcats was the mark of a team that's made steady improvement on a game-by-game basis throughout the season.

But it was Johnson's confidence in his teammates, coaches and himself that have stood out over this season.

Having interviewed Johnson after every home game this year, I can attest that he voiced his belief in this team; it was something he repeated after every game... win or lose.

Now the Griz are where AJ said they'd be all season.

I wish the Montana Grizzlies the best as the Big Sky representative in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.

Griz advance to Big Sky Tourney Finals with 68-63 win over Bears

Montana senior guard Anthony Johnson scored 19 points, had three assists and three rebounds, and made two clutch free throws with 11.9 seconds remaining to secure Montana's 68-63 win over the Northern Colorado Bears in the semifinal round of the 2010 Big Sky Conference post-season tournament, held in Ogden, Utah.

Freshman point guard Will Cherry nailed a floating jumper in the middle of the key with 24 seconds remaining to push the Griz to a 66-63 lead. Cherry dished four assists, grabbed tworebounds, and had two steals in the game.

Senior shooting guard Ryan Staudacher made 4-of-5 field goals, including two of three from three point range and keyed the Montana defense on the perimeter against the Bears.

 Senior center Brian Qvale and junior forward Derek Selvig keyed Montana's dominance in the key throughout the game. Qvale scored nine points and had six rebounds, while Selvig scored six points and had eight rebounds. Senior forward Vanny Bassy scored four points and grabbed eight rebounds. The Grizzlies pounded the boards, giving the Grizzlies a 36-25 edge, which included 13 offensive rebounds. Montana had an overwhelming 20-2 margin second-chance scoring margin over the Bears.

Junior guard Michael Taylor scored back-to-back three point shots during a critical first-half stretch, sparking Montana on a run that pulled the Grizzlies into a tie with the Bears. Montana went on to reclaim the lead and finished the first half with a 33-32 lead. The Girzzlies made 6-of-17 three point shots on the night.

The Grizzlies meet the host Weber State Wildcats in the Big Sky Championship game at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Ogden't Dee Events Center. The winner advances to the NCAA 2010 Post Season Tournament.

Griz trample Lumberjacks 81-60; will face UNC Bears in semis

The Montana Grizzlies capitalized on an early 7-0 lead over the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks and proceeded to trample the over-matched Jacks with an 81-60 quarterfinal victory in the Big Sky Conference post-season tourney before 2652 fans at Dahlberg Arena Saturday.

Senior guard Anthony Johnson led the Grizzlies with 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, and engineered the Grizzlies' steady scoring onslaught throughout the game. Montana led the Lumberjacks by as many as 18 points during the first half before settling for a 39-25 lead, which grew to as many as 21 midway through the second half. 

PHOTOS: (Top) Montana senior guard Anthony Johnson drives against Lumberjack defender Julian Olubuyi for two in second-half action. Johnson scored 22 points, made 3-of-3 from beyond the three point line, and made 3-of-4 free throws to pace Montana in scoring. (Middle) Freshman guard Will Cherry drives past Lumberjack defender Shane Johannsen for two of his 11 points in first half action. Cherry had six assists, nine rebounds and four steals Saturday. (Bottom) Derek Selvig launches a shot for two of his nine points in first half action. Selvig had six rebounds, three of them offensive boards, and paced the Grizzlies during a critical first-half run.

But it was the stellar floor play of freshman point guard Will Cherry, who was literally all over the floor Saturday. The lightning quick guard scored 11 points, cleared nine rebounds, dished out a game-high six assists, and had four steals in the Montana win.

 Depth proved once again to be a factor in Montana's victory.

Reserve forwards Derek Selvig, who had nine points and six rebounds, and Raason Young, who made 11 points on 5-of-8 shots, sparked Montana at both ends of the floor. Combined with center Brian Qvale's eight points, the Grizzlies outscored the Jacks 34-22 in the paint.

Montana made only 9-of-17 three point shots for the game, but at one point during the first half was 5-of-5, solid proof of the Grizzlies roaring start. Montana shot 49 percent for the game, ending with a 52% average from beyond the three point arc.

PHOTOS (Second group, below) Top: Raasan Young drives the key for two points in second half action. Young scored 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting, had three rebounds, and played key defense against Lumberjack guard Cameron Jones. (Second photo) Senior Jack McGillis makes like a fullback on this first step to a drive that resulted in a bucket. McGillis had five points in 14 minutes of action for the Grizzlies. (Third photo) Junior Center Brian Qvale battles NAU defenders  DeAngelo Jones (2), Reid Wallace (33), and Julian Olubuyi for possession of the ball in second half action. Qvale retained possession, but missed the ensuing shot. Qvale finished with eight points, had eight rebounds, and had two blocked shots in 29 minutes of action. (Fourth photo) Michael Taylor gets set to pass in first half action. Taylor scored three points, and played a solid floor game in 13 minutes of action. (Fifth photo) Senior Ryan Staudacher drives for a layup against Norther Arizona defender Stallon Saldivar in first half action. Staudacher scored eight points, including 2-of-4 from beyond the three point arc, in 29 minutes of action.

Montana was dominant in other areas of the floor as well, commanding the boards with a resounding 12-rebound, 41-29 edge... most significantly clearing 15 offensive rebounds, which led to a 20-2 margin in second-chance points over the Lumberjacks.

Montana had 16 assists to only 10 turnovers and had seven steals, which contributed to 10 fast break points for Montana.

Northern Arizona's steady junior point guard, Cameron Jones, led the Lumberjack offense with 21 points on 9-of-17 shots from the field. He was joined in double figures by wing Nick Larson, who made 5-of-8 shots from the field and pulled down seven rebounds.

With the win, the Grizzlies, now 20-9 on the season, advance to Tuesday's semifinal round in Ogden, Utah, where they'll clash with the University of Northern Colorado Bears, who had a first round bye. The loss finished the Lumberjacks' (14-14) season.

The Portland State Vikings, who eliminated Montana State 68-65 in Bozeman, will face regular season champions Weber State in the second semi.

Big Sky Conference regular season 2010 wrapup & tourney preview

Despite the best Montana team in Montana coach Wayne Tinkle’s four-year tenure, the Griz find themselves in a similar position heading into the post-season tourney. It’s been two years since the Griz made it past the first round. The feeling here is that the Grizzlies match up against the host Weber State Wildcats better than any other conference team. The hard part will be getting there.

A week of reckoning the Big Sky Conference. The Big Sky post-season tourney tips off Saturday. Listed below are final standings with tourney seed. In parentheses is the Grizzly Journal pre-season pick, which was posted before the 2009-10 season began.

What follows is a Grizzly Journal summary of the season in the Big Sky Conference, including the Big Sky All-Conference honors. As an addendum to those honors, we included a few names we felt should be included among the Big Sky elite for 2009-10.

FINAL BIG SKY STANDINGS for 2009-2010

1. Weber State (pre-season pick: 1st)        13-3/19-9/L1 – Tourney host; 1st round bye
2. Northern Colorado (pre-season pick:7th)     12-4/24-6/W4 – Second seed; 1st round bye
3. Montana State (pre-season pick: 3rd)          10-6/15-13/W1 – Third seed; Hosts Portland State in round 1
4. Montana (pre-season pick: 2nd)                  10-6/19-9/L1 – Fourth seed; hosts Northern Arizona in round 1
5. Northern Arizona (pre-season pick: 6th)       8-8/14-13/W3 – Fifth seed; at Montana in round 1
6. Portland State (pre-season pick: 5th)           7-9/12-18/L1 – Sixth seed; at Montana State in round 1
7. Eastern Washington (pre-season pick: 8th)    5-11/9-21/W1 – Did not qualify for post-season tourney
8. Idaho State    (pre-season pick: 4th)             4-12/7-22/L4 – Did not qualify for post-season tourney
9. Sacramento State (pre-season pick: 9th)       3-13//9-21/L5 – Did not qualify for post-season tourney

LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS – Randy Rahe’s Weber State Wildcats followed the blueprint  for yet another Big Sky regular season title, this time engineered by stellar underclass guards Damian Lilliard (sophomore and conference MVP) and junior JC transfer Franklin Session. The Wildcats are not really the “best” at any single thing. Instead, they’re a classic coach’s team that, game after game, execute Rahe’s pre-game plans to perfection, particularly on defense. Though the Wildcats are favored to win the tourney title, there’s no doubt the memories of last year’s semifinal loss by the Wildcats to Montana State (in Ogden) is lodged in the back of their minds.

OVERACHIEVERS - Pre-season picks to finish as low as seventh in the Big Sky, the University of Northern Colorado Bears under coach Tadd Boyle, won their first eight non-conference games, established themselves as Big Sky contenders early, have been ranked in the College Insider Mid Major Top 25 since December, and are the proud owners of the best overall record in the conference (24-6). A late season foot injury to shooting guard, Devon Beitzel, has limited UNC’s offensive attack, but Boyle’s Bears, finished second in the Big Sky, earned a first-round post-season tourney bye, and are clearly in the hunt for their first NCAA appearance as members of the Big Sky.

MID-SEASON RETOOLING – After the departure of heralded Portland State coach Ken Bone to Washington State, first year Vikings’ coach Tyler Geving inherited a talented team that had won back-to-back post-season Big Sky titles. The Vikes continued as the Big Sky’s most potent offensive team, but struggled mightily on defense. Things looked bleak when prolific shooting wing, junior forward Phil Nelson, went down with a broken foot and the Viks lost five in a row and 8-of-10 in conference action. Geving tweaked his Viks’ lineup to make up for the loss of Nelson, and his rebuilt, improved defensive unit rebounded, edging WSU and ISU in final conference games to earn a 6th seed in the post-season tourney. Along with the MSU Bobcats, the Vikings are considered a dark horse capable of advancing in the  tourney. It all shakes down in first-round action Saturday, when the Vikings are at Bozeman against those very Bobcats (the tourney third seed), who had swept the Viks during conference play and capped their own late-season surge with an inspiring win at Missoula, where the Cats toyed with the Montana Grizzlies in a conference-ending 73-67 thumping before 7000 glum Griz fans.

SOMETHING TO PROVE – Two teams with something to prove clash Saturday in first-round Big Sky post-season tourney action when fifth seed Northern Arizona clashes with fourth seed Montana in Missoula. Northern Arizona’s rebuilding process has been arduous for NAU head coach Mike Adras, whose talented 2008-09 team imploded and several players departed. The Lumberjacks missed the post-season last year... an oddity, since Adras’ Jacks have qualified for post-season play in 9-of-11 years, which includes five tourney championship game appearances since 2000. Montana – whose three titles and NCAA appearances since 2000 leads the Big Sky – has been eliminated in first-round action since back-to-back championships in 2005-06. The teams are each led by All-Conference unanimous first-team guards. Talented junior guard Cameron Jones – ranked second in scoring in the Big Sky at 19.3 points per game – has led the Jacks back into contention almost singlehandedly. He’ll need some help down low for a Lumberjack win.

PHOTOS FROM TOP: Montana senior guard and all conference first team selection, Anthony Johnson. Montana senior shooting guard and all conference honorable mention Ryan Staudacher. Montana freshman point guard and all conference honorable mention Will Cherry. Montana junior center Brian Qvale.

Montana, picked as a title contender in each of Montana Coach Wayne Tinkle’s three previous seasons as head coach, has repeatedly suffered from late-season swoons and tourney elimination. And so, a home-court loss to Montana State before 7000 fans last week was not a good sign for Griz faithful. Montana, led by the Big Sky’s fourth leading scorer Anthony Johnson (18.8 points per game), ran off a mid-season hot streak that featured a potent offense from every corner of the floor... until losses in two of their final three conference games dropped them to fourth place. Johnson – arguably the Big Sky’s most talented guard – will need offensive support from his his wings and post players in order for the Grizzlies to advance. Montana, in particular, is the Big Sky team that matches up best with Weber State. But they’ll likely need two wins to put themselves in position of being able to prove it.

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD – It’s a tale of two teams for the Sacramento State Hornets and the Eastern Washington Eagles... two of the three Big Sky teams that were eliminated from Big Sky post-season tourney. When Sac State Coach Brian Katz took the controls in 2008, he loaded his squad with junior college talent in hopes of a quick turnaround. After back-to-back last place finishes with little to show, seven of Katz’ players will graduate – including all-conference post Justin Eller – leaving the cupboards bare once again. Katz will presumably build around talented junior guard Sultan Toles Bey. But there’s a lot of building to do.

After watching his team struggle through alternating stretches of inconsistent play, Eastern Washington coach Kirk Earlywine turned the reins of his team over to three promising freshman guards. One of those guards, Glen Dean, quickly proved himself capable of leading the Eagles... enough to be named the Big Sky’s Freshman of the Year. The Eagles manufactured upsets of Montana and Montana State, but not much more, and failed to qualify for post-season tourney play. But the foundation has been set for the Eagles as early as next year, perhaps. If Dean and teammates Jeffrey Forbes, Kevin Winford and Abebe Demissie can solidify the Eagles, Earlywine may have the makings of a contender.

MOST SURPRISING TEAM – But not in a good way, were the Idaho State Bengals, whose collapse was one of major proportions. This was the team that ISU Coach Joe O’Brien had built to contend for the Big Sky Crown. THIS YEAR. Loaded with eight very talented seniors and a potential MVP in senior Amorrow Morgan, the Bengals were picked to win it all by several preseason publications, and to be in the hunt by several others. But the Bengals never recovered from a brutal non-conference slate pummeling and – despite a last-second win over Montana and a thrilling 3OT loss to Weber State – looked more like a team endlessly in search of an identity. And a win. It’ll be interesting to see how O’Brien rebuilds his beaten Bengals.  

ALL BIG SKY  – The Big Sky All-Conference 2009-10 honorees were revealed earlier this week, and while Grizzly Journal supports the selections, there were several glaring omissions, based primarily on the concept that the Big Sky All-Conference squads appear to be built on the concept of the “15 Best Players,” rather than on the best players at a specific position. Rather than contest any conference picks, we’ve included those players and coaches we feel are deserving of recognition. See GRIZZLY JOURNAL KUDOS below.

FIRST TEAM -- Damian Lilliard, Sophomore, Weber State (MVP); Anthony Johnson, Sr., UM; Will Figures, Sr., UNC; Cameron Jones, Jr., NAU; Bobby Howard, Jr., MSU; Jamie Jones, Sr., PSU.

SECOND TEAM -- Amorrow Morgan, Sr., ISU; Steve Panos, Sr., WSU; Franklin Session, Jr., WSU; Devon Beitzel, Jr., UNC; Dominic Waters, Sr., PSU

HONORABLE MENTION -- Broderick Gilchrist, Jr., ISU; Justin Eller, Sr., SAC; Will Cherry, Fr., UM; Ryan Staudacher, Sr.; UM; Marquis Navarre, Jr.; MSU; Glen Dean, Fr. EWU.

BIG SKY MVP – Lilliard, WSU; NEWCOMER: Session, WSU; TOP FROSH: Dean, EWU; TOP DEFENDER: Yahosh Bonner, Sr., UNC.

GRIZZLY JOURNAL KUDOS
We can think of at least five players who should have received All-Big Sky recognition. Two players, in particular, merit our immediate inclusion: Montana State point guard Will Bynum – a classic (criminally underrated) coach’s floor general – deserves at least second-team mention; and, Montana’s 6’-11’ junior center Brian Qvale, who logged a quiet blue-collar season of merit. Qvale would be an all-conference pick in virtually any other western Division 1 conference.

For the second straight year, the Big Sky’s best all-around player was Montana’s Anthony Johnson, though we can understand (and accept) why he was not named Big Sky MVP (an honor usually reserved for the most important player on the best team in the conference).

COACH – Randy Rahe, Weber State, and Tad Boyle, University of Northern Colorado.

BIG SKY REFEREES – The level of officiating in the Big Sky has improved dramatically over the past three seasons and – except for a few glaring oddities for 2009-10 – has helped make the Big Sky a better, more competitive conference overall. Now let’s get some top level Division 1 teams to agree on home-and-home preseason games!

Bobcats stun Grizzlies 73-67 in senior night disappointment

For the second straight year the Montana State Bobcats stunned the Montana Grizzlies, this time before a season-high 6927 fans in Dahlberg arena in a 73-67 walkaway that wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicated.

The teams finished the regular season at third place in the Big Sky Conference with identical 10-6 records. The conference tie-breaker means the win secures a third seed in the Big Sky Conference post-season tourney for the Bobcats, while the Grizzlies were bumped a notch down to the fourth seed with the loss. Both teams will host first-round games next Saturday. The fifth place, fifth seeded Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (8-8) face the Grizzlies in Missoula while the sixth seeded Portland State Vikings (6-9) will meet the Cats in Bozeman.

The Bobcats, behind the sure hand of senior Will Bynum – filling in at point for Marquis Navarre, who was saddled with foul problems – controlled the game throughout. Bynum led the Cats with 22 points on 5-of-6 shsooting from the field, 12-of-17 free throws three assists and two steals.

Forward Bobby Howard scored 17 points and snared 12 rebounds, while guard Eric Rush added 12 points and center Branden Johnson had 11 points and eight rebounds.

The Bobcats, one of the worst rebounding teams in the Big Sky, cleared the boards for a 38-26 advantage over the Grizzlies, with 12 of those boards coming on the offensive end.

Montana was led once again by its stalwart senior guard Anthony Johnson, who scored 31 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field, 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. He was joined in double figures by sophomore forward Derek Selvig, who scored 14 while grabbing eight rebounds. No other Grizzly player reached double figures.

Johnson and freshman point guard Will Cherry scored several buckets on one-on drives late in the second half, and the effort succeeded in pulling the Grizzlies to within six points at the 1:26 mark, and four points with just over a minute remaining. But a missed Montana shot with 54 seconds left gave the Cats possession, and the Grizzlies had to foul -- with no success, as the Cats scored six points on free throws to extend the lead to the game's final  score.

Montana shot a cool 61 percent from the free throw line (16-for-26) and an even chillier 7-of-16 from three point range.

The Bobcats controlled the game from the tip, moving to leads as much as 12 points in the first half before settling for a 38-30 halftime lead. The second half was the same story, with the Cats expanding their lead to as many as 18 points before the Grizzlies mounted a desperation rally that was too late... and certainly too little.

PHOTOS: (Top) Montana forward Derek Selvigs posts up against  Bobcak Erik Rush for two of his 14 points. Selvig had eight rebounds in 34 minutes of action. (Second photo) Montana point guard Will Cherry drives against Rush in late second half action. Cherry scored nine points, but fouled out with 5:13 remaining in the game. (Third) Montana's Anthony Johnson posts up against Montana State's Bobby Howard for two of his game high 31 points. Johnson made 9-of-14 shots from the field, 4-of-6 from beyond the three point arc. (Bottom) Montana center Brian Qvale battles for a rebound against Montana State's Branden Johnson and Erik Rush. Qvale made three points and had four rebounds in 15 minutes of action.

The Bobcats completely shut down Montana's offensive flow early in the game, limiting the Grizzlies to poor shots as the shot clock was expiring, or to forced shots that were always contested by Bobcat defenders. It was the opposite at the other end of the floor, with score after score from the paint. The Bobcats finished the game with a 32-22 margin on points in the paint, a number that was inflated on Montana's side of the ledger with several layups after the game was essentially decided.

Another telling statistic of the game was Montana's seven assists, well below its season-average 12.2 assists per game.

NOTE: Because of the two-game schedule, more photos (including slide shows) and stories of the weekend will be posted during the coming week.

Balanced scoring attack propels Montana to 86-58 win over Sac State

With their 86-58 thrashing of the Sacramento State Hornets Saturday, the Montana Grizzlies played perhaps their most complete game of the season, showcasing a deep bench and a versatile offensive attack that shows more versatility game by game.

View 30-photo slide show of Montana's 86-58 win over Sac State HERE.

Montana can secure the third seed in the Big Sky Conference post-season tournament with a victory over the Montana State Bobcats in the teams’ final league game of the season next week, though there’s still a slim chance that Montana could earn the number two seed if Northern Colorado loses at Sac State next week.

The 28-point win did come against the Big Sky’s last place team in the Hornets. But the Big Sky has had no true pushovers this year, as the Hornets proved by pushing the Cats to the limit in a six-point loss Thursday.

Once again Montana turned the tide as it has all year... with defense, limiting the Hornets to 58 points on 35 percent from the field in the second half. Montana defenders had 14 steals, with sophomore forward Derek Selvig snaring three and junior guard Michael Taylor nabbing three. Montana’s combo of zone and man-on looks also forced 19 Hornet turnovers, with many coming early in the second half, catapulting Montana’s six-point halftime lead to double digits within the first minute of play.

“We talk about how the aggressor wins,” said Montana coach Wayne Tinkle, “And we wanted to be aggressive on both ends. At halftime we really challenged our guys to be the aggressor, to defend like heck, and they came out on edge and really put the clamps on the Hornets.

We didn’t play much zone defense tonight,” Tinkle added. “We wanted to challenge our guys to play man to man.”

But perhaps most encouraging to Tinkle was the Grizzly offense, which displayed remarkable inside-outside balance in its scoring attack, particularly on the perimeter.

Four Griz guards scored in double figures, led by senior guard Ryan Staudacher’s 17 on 5-of-7 three-point shots and 60 percent shooting overall. Senior guard Anthony Johnson scored 16 on 6-of-8 shooting and freshman guard Will Cherry also notched 16 on 6-of-11 shooting from the field. Reserve shooting guard Taylor – who has stepped his game up recently as his injured shooting hand has healed – scored 11 on 3-of-5 conversions from three point range.

PHOTOS: Senior guard Anthony Johnson splits the defense of Hornet defenders Antonio Flaggs ((#22) and Michael Selling for two of his 16 points. Johnson became the first two-year Montana player to join the 1000-point club at Montana. (Second photo) Michael Taylor looks for a pass in first half play. Taylor had three steals and converted 3-of-5 shots from long range for 11 points. (Third photo) Freshman guard Will Cherry drives past Hornet defender Mike Marcial for two of his 16 points. Cherry had five of Montana's 20 assists. (Bottom) Senior shooting guard Ryan Staudacher sets up for a shot. Staudacher made 5-of-7 shots from long range to lead the Grizzlies with 17 points.

“It’s beautiful watching Mike evolve,” said Tinkle. “I think he’s healthy now with his hand, or close to it. And he’s got his confidence back.

“Boy, when he and Stauds are both making shots, we’re going to be tough to defend,” said Tinkle.

Sixty of Montana’s points were scored by its guards, but Cherry in particular got the ball into Montana’s big men with five of Montana’s 20 assists.

There were still signs of growing game-by-game dominance in the blocks, as Selvig and junior post Brian Qvale scored eight points apiece. Qvale pulled down nine rebounds to lead Montana’s 32-27 margin on the boards.

Reserve guard Sultan Toles-Bey led the Hornets with 14 points whiles senior post Justin Eller scored 13 and reserve guard Michael Selling also scored 13.

The loss eliminated the Hornets from any possibility of qualifying for post-season tourney seeding, though they can affect the final seeding order with a win over visiting Northern Colorado next week.

Johnson’s 16 points put him at 1004 in his two-year career at Montana. He’s the first Montana Grizzly two-year player to reach the 1000 point milestone.

Lady Griz rebound with 15-point win over league leading Eastern

The Montana Lady Griz discovered the energy that deserted them Friday, shooting a hot 60 percent from the field in a 41-point second half and stormed to a 75-60 win over first place Eastern Washington before 4002 fans at Dahlberg Arena Saturday.

The win, coupled with Montana State’s 79-70 win over Portland State, tightened the first three slots in the Big Sky Conference standings. The Eagles, at 8-3, hold a half-game lead over the Lady Griz (8-4), while the Vikings are back another half-game at 7-4.

Junior forward Sarah Ena scored 17 points on a variety of post-ups, drives and pull-up jumpers to lead Montana in scoring. Battling foul problems for the second-straight night, Ena also pulled-down 8 rebounds and had two assists on the night.

The Lady Griz rode two surges, one in each half, to subdue the talented Eagles, both keyed by Ena, who converted several jumpers from the top of the key early in the game to give Montana leads of up to seven points.

The rest of the Montana players started cold however, and despite a solid defensive effort, shot only 35 percent from the field, which allowed the Eagles to stay within reach.

The Eagles – unable to penetrate the Lady Griz zone – pulled within three, 31-29 at halftime on the strength of a talented long-range shooting corps. The Eagles finished the game with 10-for-31 treys, getting three each from Kyla Evans and Jessica Huntington, and treys from three other players.

PHOTOS: Montana forward Sarah Ena is fouled by Eagle Tatjana Sparavalo on a drive to the bucket. The foul was called flagrant and Ena made one of two free throws. (Second photo) Montana wing Stephanie Stender looks to pass the ball to the wing in first half action. Stender made 3-of-4 three point shots and finished with 11. (Third photo) Alexandra Hurley battles for a rebound with Eastern post Julie Piper in second half action. Hurley had four points and three rebounds.

Though Montana made only 5-of-11 three point shots, most came at critical junctures, especially two in the first half by junior wing Stephanie Stender, who nailed treys that both times blunted an Eagle run.

“I thought we executed pretty well offensively all night,” said Montana coach Robin Selvig. “We missed a lot of shots again. We just don’t make shots sometimes.

“But I thought we got pretty good shots most of the game,” he added.

But the Lady Griz – who played tentatively in their Friday loss to the Vikings – remained aggressive against the Eagles throughout the game. It paid off.

Montana quickly stretched its three-point halftime lead to 39-31 – keyed by another trey from Stender –  and then steadily expanded the lead with a run that saw at least five Lady Griz players score layups down the right lane against Eagle defenders who were just a step too late.

All nine Lady Griz players who played scored.

“I felt like we started to get a little comfortable,” said Ena. “Yesterday, Portland State was so physical and kind of pushed us out of our comfort zone and Lauren, Kenzie, Steph... all these players kind of got in the groove,” said Ena.

Senior guard Lauren Beck and junior post Jessa Loman Linford had off nights from the field. But Loman Linford made 5-of-6 free throws after being fouled on shots, and finished with eight. Beck made only 4-of-14 field goals, but was 4-of-4 from the line and finished with 14.

Beck credited much of Montana’s energy to a solid defensive effort game long.

“I thought our defense was able to get our hands on the ball a lot in the zone which helped us a lot,” said Beck.  “It builds our confidence and then it turn it builds our offense a little bit better,” she added.

Montana meanwhile got sparkling performances from freshman and bench players in the win. Kenzie De Boer scored nine points, but tallied four nifty assists, several on lobs to Loman Linford, Ena or senior post Shadra Robison, who scored six and had six rebounds. Freshman wing Alyssa Smith played an aggressive game at both ends of the floor, pulling down four rebounds and dishing three assists while scoring four. Redshirt frosh Alexandra Hurley, despite some shooting nerves, played solidly as Ena’s backup at power forward.

PHOTOS: (Top) Freshman wing Alyssa Smith drives to the bucket for two of her four points. Smith also pulled down four rebounds and had three assists on the night. (Bottom) Senior center Shadra Robison battles Eagles Jessica Huntington and Chene Cooper for ball control during first half action. Robison scored six points, pulled down six rebounds and had two blocks.

Eastern's stellar post, Julie Piper, made 9-of-17 shots to lead Eastern with 20 points. Guard Kyla Evans added 13. No other Eagle reached double digits.

Montana outrebounded the Eagles 42-37. The teams were even statistically on assists, turnovers and steals.

Though Montana is locked in a jam at the top of the Big Sky, it doesn’t get any easier. The Lady Griz travel to Sacramento State for a Sunday game against the fourth-place Sacramento State Hornets, who have been playing their best basketball over the past three weeks. Three of Montana’s final four games are road clashes.

“We can’t take any of these games at the end of the stretch lightly,” said Ena. “I’m proud of my teammates and the way that we fought and bounced back from the loss last night,” she added.

Portland State outlasts Montana Lady Griz; pull away for 72-60 win

The Montana Lady Griz had no answers for the Portland State Vikings outside shooting game Friday, as Vikings' wing players Eryn Jones, with 19 point, and Kelly Marchant, with 18 points sank timely shots over the final 10 minutes to lead the Vikings to a 72-60 win over the Montana Lady Griz in front of 4219 fans at Dahlberg Arena.

Marchant made 4-of-7 shots from beyond the three point arc and Jones sank 3-of-6,many coming during the final 10-minutes of the game as the Vikings became the first Big Sky team in four years to beat Montana at Dahlberg Arena.

The Lady Griz were led in scoring by freshman Kenzie De Boer, who tallied 17, junior forward Sarah Ena, who scored 15, and junior wing Stephanie Stender, who scored 10.

Montana had a 49-44 lead with just over 14 minutes remaining, but made only 4-of-17 shots from there as the Vikings -- who shot only 39 percent from the field in the second hald -- rode the hot hands of Marchant and Jones.

But the Vikings dominated the boards, with a 38-33 edge, blocked five Lady Griz shots, and forced 13 Lady Griz turnovers to take command of the floor game and momentum.

With the win,the Vikings leapfrogged Montana into second-place in the Big Sky at 7-3, while Montana fell to 7-4. The Lady Griz host the league-leading Eastern Washington Eagles Friday, where a win could tighten the Big Sky race to within a half-a-game between the three teams, depending upon the results of Portland State's clash with the Montana State Bobcats Saturday in Bozeman.

PHOTOS: Montana center Shadra Robison tangles for possession of a loose ball with Portland State guard Claire Faucher. Robison had two points and six rebounds in 15 minutes of action. (Middle) Montna senior guard Shaunte Nance Johnson drives to the bucket against Portland State's Kelly Marchant in first half action. Nance Johnson had three assists and one point in 14 minutes of action. (Bottom) Freshman guard Kenzie De Boer goes up for two of her team-high 17 points with this drive against Viking defender Lexi Bishop. De Boer made 7-of-14 shots from the field sank both of her free throws, had two assists and four steals in 23 minutes of action. 

Anthony Johnson's 30 leads Montana to 91-68 runaway past Idaho State

On a night when the Montana Grizzlies weathered two furious Idaho State rallies – one of them with the help of ISU Coach Joe O’Brien – it was the cool demeanor and hot hand of All Big Sky senior guard Anthony Johnson that eventually propelled the Grizzlies to a runaway 91-68 Big Sky Conference win over the Bengals before 3761 fans at Dahlberg Arena Saturday.

With the Grizzlies nursing a 56-46 lead, Johnson literally took command of the game  at the tail end of a chaotic span midway through the second half... a bizarre stretch that included three Idaho State technicals (two on O’Brien, forcing his ejection), a flagrant foul on each team, and a bushel-full of Montana turnovers caused by a briefly effective Bengals’ full-court trapping zone press.

With 10:51 remaining in the game, Johnson calmly stepped to the line and sank two free throws after ISU’s Austin Kilpatrick was whistled for a flagrant foul and an ensuing technical.

Then – after Vassy Banny (who had been fouled by Kilpatrick) made both free throws  – Johnson proceeded to score 10 straight points on two three-point daggers from the tip of the key and four more points on free throws after being fouled by ISU defenders.

After the steam cleared a mere two minutes later, with Montana’s lead exploding to 70-48, the senior floor general – with a season high 30 points under his belt – took the bench at the 8:03 mark to a rousing ovation from the Montana crowd.

The exhausted Bengals, minus their coach and senior leader Amorrow Morgan (out with a sprained ankle suffered Friday), seemed to concede the game as Montana expanded its lead to as many as 28 points, before settling for the 23-point win.

PHOTOS: Montana senior guard Anthony Johnson (Top) is fouled by ISU guard Broderick Gilchrist on a drive to the bucket in first half play. Johnson led all scorers with 30 points. (Second photo) Montana freshman guard Will Cherry scored on this drive past defender Gilchrist to the bucket midway through the second half. Cherry had seven points and six assists. (Third photo) Montana junior wing Raason Young scores two of his nine points on this second half drive past Chron Tatum to the bucket. (Bottom) Brian Qvale scored 18 points on perfect 8-for-8 shooting against ISU. Here he scores a tally over ISU defender Demetrius Monroe.

Johnson was more concerned with Montana’s lapses than he was with his personal effort. “I don’t want to take anything away from them (ISU) because they have great players, but we just kind of lost effort and focus for a little bit,” said Johnson.

“That’s something we’ve got to clean up if we’re going to win our next four,” said Johnson. “A couple of lazy passes, one by me... or a couple by me, actually. Just mental lapses that we can’t have if we expect to win.”

Montana coach Wayne Tinkle was more complimentary. “Credit to our guys for staying focused by and large,” said Tinkle. “Other than a couple of spurts during the game when we had to bring them back on page, I thought their focus was really, really good.”

Montana had taken a commanding 16-9 first-half lead by getting the ball to its muscular 6’-11’ junior post Brian Qvale, who scored 10 of those 16 points on two dunks and a variety of other point-blank buckets.

The Bengals couldn’t stop Qvale, so they switched to a trapping zone defense. The change in defense blunted Montana’s charge, even though the Grizzlies maintained distance that was good enough for a 38-30 halftime lead.

Though the Bengals used a variety of zone and full-court zone looks throughout the game, Montana was still effective in the key. Qvale finished with 18 points on 8-for-8 from the field, many of his buckets coming off of assists from forward Derek Selvig, who was scoreless but tied freshman guard Will Cherry with six assists.

Barely into the second half, O’Brien was whistled for two quick technicals and promptly left the court, Johnson sank three of the four free throws and Montana led by 13.

But the Bengals – behind inspired play and 22 points from junior guard Broderick Gilchrest – fought back with several mini-rallies in the early stages. When the speedy guard wasn’t driving and scoring, he was dishing to front-court players Chron Tatum (13 points) or Demetrius Monroe (10 points).

Senior guard Kilpatrick added 13 points on a variety of pull-up jumpers.

Whenever the Bengals narrowed the gap to single digits, Montana was able to respond. Until Kilpatrick’s foul and technical.

On paper, Montana dominated, shooting 65.3 percent from the field to ISU’s 47.9%, wresting a 30-20 margin on the boards, and getting 17 assists from its half court offense. Montana got 24 points from its bench players compared to ISU’s 10. Fouls were a near wash, with Montana whistled for 18 compared to 17 for the Bengals.

Significantly, the Grizzlies never trailed, and when the Bengals rallied, their efforts were never quite enough.

That, to Tinkle, was an important aspect that led to Montana’s final margin.

“We’ve really bought in here lately to win the mental and physical battles,” said Tinkle. “We had two tough teams. I don’t think there were any cheap shots either way. I thought the game was controlled really well in the second half... Obviously, we reacted pretty positively. We didn’t make big deals when we were fouled hard, went to the line, tried to make them pay and to, you know... just to continue to play that physical style of basketball and not back down,” said Tinkle.

So, with Johnson’s final offensive flurry, the Grizzlies coasted to their seventh win over their last eight Big Sky games... at 8-4 that’s good enough for sole possession of third place behind league-leading Weber, four-point victors over Montana State, and Northern Colorado, which plays Sunday.

Montana now hits the road for important games at Portland State and Eastern Washington, games they’ll have to win to keep pace with the Wildcats and Bears.

The Bengals, at 3-8 and in seventh place, need a major turnaround to qualify for post-season seeding.

Montana guard tandem sparks Griz to 75-61 win over Weber State

The aggressive Montana Grizzlies bolted to a 7-0 lead, which they extended to an 11-point halftime margin, and coasted to a 75-61 victory over the Big Sky Conference-leading Weber State Wildcats before 4557 fans at Dahlberg Arena Friday.

“We’ve been building a little confidence with a couple wins in a row,” said Montana senior guard Ryan Staudacher. “We just know that if we come out ready to play and on edge like we did tonight, it just makes a world of difference.”

Staudacher and Montana's Vanny Bassy got the Grizzlies in a groove early with steals that were converted to points in the Grizzlies' early run... and put the Wildcats on their heels.

The win boosted Montana’s record to 7-4 in conference play, tied for third with Montana State, 63-60- victors over Idaho State. The league-leading Wildcats dropped to 8-2, a full game ahead of second place Northern Colorado and two ahead of the Grizzlies and Bobcats.

“It’s great to get a win at home against the top team in the league,” said an upbeat Montana coach Wayne Tinkle. “I know they’ve kind of dominated us here, swept the last two games here. We didn’t get involved in any of that nonsense during the week. We just talked about doing what we do, to try to improve for the stretch run,” said Tinkle.

Senior forward Banny, starting in place of an under-the-weather Jack McGlllis,  sparked Montana early, stealing a pass for a thunderous dunk and disrupting the Wildcats’ offensive flow on several other occasions, each of which resulted in points and contributed to Montana’s early surge.

An enthusiastic senior point guard Anthony Johnson  – who had a quiet 3-point first half – credited several players with giving Montana its early lead.

“Ryan Staudacher caught fire real fast, said Johnson. “Vanny Bassy got a monster dunk in the beginning. Will Cherry, I mean I can’t say much more about him... Derek Selvig, he was just dominating in the first half... mainly with his passing,” said Johnson.

Banny said he was ready, and happy, for the opportunuity. “Since the beginning of the year, since I got here, I’ve always been ready,” said Banny.

“What I try to do is bring energy and help my teammates feel confident. Whenever there’s energy there... everybody picks it up,” said Banny, who finished with six points and eight rebounds in 23 minutes on the floor.

The game was another step for a Montana team that seemed to find itself after a close loss to Montana State in Bozeman.

“After the Montana State game, we convinced them to be more aggressive, starting in transition,” said Tinkle. “And I think that gets us out, gets us some flow... We want to be an up-tempo team, and it’s taken us four-and-a-half months to kind-of buy into it,” said Tinkle.

Montana also continued with its patented Big-Sky-best tough defense, stifling WSU with an aggressive combination of zone and man-to-man looks, limiting the Wildcats to 37.5  percent shooting for the game, while dominating the boards by nine, 38-29.

PHOTOS: (Top) Montana senior guard Anthony Johnson drives past Weber State defender Darin Mahoney for two of his 18 points in Montana's74-61 win Friday. (Second photo) Forward Vassy Banny posts up after grabbing an offensive rebound. Banny scored six points in 23 minutes of action for Montana. (Thrid photo) Freshman guard Will Cherryloses momentary control of the ball in a drive into the lane past Weber State defenders Lindsey Hughey (left) and Steve Panos. Cherry scored 14 points in 32 minutes of action.(Bottom photo) Montana center Brian Qvale battles against defenders Franklin Session and Steve Panos in first half action. No foul was called on the play.

Still, the Grizzlies could not contain sophomore Wildcat guard Damian Lilliard who – after scoring 34 in the teams’ first meeting – scored 24 Friday on 8-of-17 shooting, 4-of-7 from beyond the three point arc.

This game however, Lilliard’s efforts were nullified by Montana’s balanced scoring attack, which featured double-digits scoring by seniors Johnson (18) and Staudacher (16), and 14 from freshman guard Will Cherry.

The Wildcats were no mach for Montana’s double-barreled two-guard attack from Johnson and Cherry, whose drives to the basket usually resulted in points, whether by converted layups, or on free throws from fouls by Weber State defenders.

Johnson, who leads the Big Sky in free throw attempts and makes, was golden again, sinking 12-of-14 from the line. Cherry made 8-for-12. The duo’s 20 points at the free throw line added up to a lopsided 14 point-Montana advantage at the free throw line. The only other Griz to shoot a free throws was Staudacher.

When the lightning quick guards weren’t driving, they were dishing, and Staudacher became the recipient of several assists from Johnson and Cherry, knocking down 5-of-7 three-point shots from the wing as Wildcat defenders collapsed on the driving guard tandem.

“We’re simplyfing things a little bit on offense,” said Johnson. “But I think it’s a great back-court that we have and we’ve got to keep attacking, doing the things we’ve been doing over the next five games, starting with tomorrow,” said Johnson in reference to Montana's Saurday game with Idaho State.

The Wildcats did muster up one brief second-half run, scoring nine points in a row to reduce a 17-point Montana lead to eight with just over seven minutes to play. But Cherry and Johnson each scored quick buckets, Selvig grabbed an offensive board with a put-back, and Staudacher nailed a trey off of an assist from Banny for a comfortable 18-point margin that Montana would maintain for the win.

But Montana’s momentum started early, which has been the key to all three Montana wins over the past week, said Staudacher.

Montana’s front court play was also solid. Center Brian Qvale, who had an uncharacteristic poor shooting night (3-for-8), made up for it elsewhere by snagging eight rebounds and blocking three shots. Reserve forward Derek Selvig scored nine points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting while grabbing four rebounds, dishing three assists and blocking two shots.

Wildcat shooting guard Franklin Session scored 10 points on 6-of-14 from the field and 10 rebounds. Reserve guard Lindsey Hughey added 12 points. Montana held the Wildcats’ front-court players to 13 total points on the night.

Weber State travels to Bozeman for a match against the Bobcats. Montana hosts the 7th-place Idaho State Bengals Saturday.

Upstart Lady Griz poised for Big Sky breakout

The Montana Lady Griz – despite its youth and the loss to injury of its leading front-court player – continues to provide loyal Montana fans the promise of a championship contender as the halfway point in conference play concludes this week.

The two-time defending Big Sky champs relied early on the leadership of two returning starters – senior Lauren Beck and junior Sarah Ena – in a shaky pre-season while returning underclass players and a promising freshman class adjusted to their roles.

View a slide show of Montana's 65-54 win over Northern Colorado University HERE:

.

.

View a slide show of Montana's 54-48 win over Northern Arizona University HERE:

The most encouraging early sign was the assured and aggressive play of freshman post Katie Baker... enough so that rumbles of another title run started surfacing among fans and on chat-room posts.

The setbacks were numerous and costly, however, as Baker joined teammates Misty Atkinson and Ashley Ferda on the sideline with serious injuries (Atkinson has returned, but is not yet at full strength).

Any comparable loss of players by any other Big Sky team would likely relegate the team to also-ran status. Not the Montana Lady Griz.

Last weekend’s home-court wins against Northern Colorado and Northern Arizona were a solid enough sign that this still-young team continues to make strides on defense, in chemistry... and at several key front-court positions.

No doubt Montana is still very thin at point guard, with senior Shaunte Nance-Johnson as the only true point, capably spelled by Beck, who splits time at point and wing. Freshman Kenzie De Boer is improving rapidly and is due for a break-out scoring game.

 But equally exciting has been the chemistry-bonding development of Montana’s front court.

Several players have stepped up, almost as a group, to fill Baker’s shoes at center... and if that front-court-by-committee lineup of junior Jessa Loman Linford, senior Shadra Robison, freshmen Alyssa Smith, Alexandra Hurley and junior swing player Stephanie Stender continue their steady game-by-game improvement... look out.

Each player contrbutes a unique style of play (and skill). What a diverse group. But Montana coach Robin Selvig has done a masterful job of mixing and matching. As their minutes have increased, each player has responded with outstanding efforts.

The result is that Montana will hit the road for Weber State and Idaho State this weekend at second place at 6-2 in the Big Sky behind 7-1 Eastern Washington. A split will stamp them once-again as contenders. A sweep might just make them odds-on favorites, even though the season is still relatively young.

Montana’s early January run of excellence came about because of Baker’s dominant play in the key on both offense and defense.

No Lady Griz fan should really be surprised that Selvig is getting inspired play from a combination of solid players who complement each other well.

It’s definitely too early to make predictions. Eastern Washington is playing very well and certainly has the players to claim the regular season title.

PHOTOS: Junior center Jessa Loman Linford (Top) clears the boards in Montana's 54-48 win over Northern Arizona. Loman Linford has contributed solid defense and rebounding in league play. Senior Shadra Robison (Second Photo) has stepped capably into the post in recent games. Robison is also a solid outside shooter ready for a breakout on offense. Freshman Alyssa Smith (Third photo) is making strides on defense and is a cabable ball-handler for breaking presses. (Bottom photo) Kenzie De Boer is providing Montana with quickness and the ability to slash to the bucket on early offense.

But they’d better not rest easy.

The Montana Lady Griz can make a statement this weekend. It’ll be fun to see if this well-balanced squad can solidify its growing chemistry on the road in a remarkably competitive Big Sky conference.

Cherry 'picks' Eagles: leads Grizzlies to 79-66 win over Eastern

Montana freshman point guard Will Cherry converted three steals into six points in the first three minutes of second-half, and single-handedly reversed the flow of the game in the Grizzlies’ 79-66 Big Sky Conference win over the Eastern Washington Eagles at Dahlberg Arena Friday.

The win boosts Montana’s record to 2-3 heading into Saturday night’s clash against the Portland State Vikings, who lost to the MSU Bobcats 77-71. The Eagles, who slipped to 1-2, face the Bobcats in Bozeman Saturday.

The Eagles – behind early deadeye shooting of Glen Dean and Jeffrey Forbes – had shot a blistering 55.6% percent from the field in the first half, including 57 percent from three-point range – to take a 41-37 lead into halftime.

A further catalyst of EWU’s run was a monstrous 10-rebound first half margin, keyed by Eagle senior center Brandon Moore, who finished the game with 11.

But Cherry changed the fortunes of both teams in lightning quick fashion.

Eastern quickly built its halftime margin to seven on forward Mark Dunn’s trey mere seconds into the second half. But then Cherry went to work.

The frosh defensive wiz stole the ball from Dean and scored on a layup to draw the Griz within five.

Seconds later, Cherry hit a jumper in the key to pull Montana within three.

PHOTOS: Freshman Will Cherry (top) slices between Eagle defenders Kevin Winford (23) and Jeffrey Forbes (2) and then scores (second) two of his 17 points in Montana's 79-66 win over EWU Friday.

Suddenly, an Eagle lead of seven-points... and the game momentum, was halted.

“He (Cherry) was the difference,” said Montana coach Wayne Tinkle. “We were in la-la land defensively, we didn’t communicate, we had zero intensity... we couldn’t guard the corner in our 2-3 zone...

“I’m telling you, he’s young,” Tinkle added. “But whenever we get after him and challenge him, he responds. And once he did that, I think everybody jumped on his coattails.”

Cherry said he was just doing what his coaches told him to do.

“In the second half, I really just tried to come out and put the pressure on their guards, which they hadn’t seen in the first half,” said Cherry. “That’s what the coaches really want me to do... pick up full court and just really pressure the guards.”

Montana’s defense, taking direct inspiration from Cherry, applied the clamps to the Eagle’s dribble-screen & roll offense at the high post. And when Eagle ball-handlers managed to penetrate the key, Montana center Brian Qvale was there. Qvale notched a Montana record six blocked shots, including a steal that led directly to another bucket by Cherry.

The teams battled on even terms over the next four minutes, with EWU clinging to a narrow lead, until another Cherry steal and bucket at the 13:18 mark gave Montana its first lead since early in the first half at 51-49.

Montana’s sudden defensive intensity gradually wore the Eagles down. Eastern’s second-half shooting percentage plummeted to 36 percent over the second frame.

PHOTOS: Montana senior guard Anthony Johnson (above) scores two of his game-high 25 points against Eagle defenders Glen Dean (#1) and Brandon Moore. Montana forward Jack McGillis drives to the bucket past Eagle defender Mark Dunn. McGillis scored six points in Montana's win.

The results were recorded at the other end of the floor... and on the scoreboard.

Montana’s revived defense – which notched 13 steals, led by Cherry’s seven – rattled the Eagles, who committed nine additional turnovers (22 for the game).

The logjam broke with five minutes remaining. Montana extended its lead quickly to six... this time on a steal by Johnson, who drove the lane, but saw Griz shooting guard Ryan Staudacher in the left corner for his first trey. On the next possession, Qvale stole a pass intended for Moore and passed it to wing Raason Young on the break. Young found Staudacher open in the same spot: good again. Griz up 70-61. Game over.

“We finally got a couple in transition,” said Staudacher. “Will and Anthony both did a great job of looking up the floor.

“You know,” Staudacher added, “If they want to face-guard me in the corner and give these guys lanes to drive to the basket, so be it. But I finally got open on a great screen by Qvale, and I got a chance to knock them down.”

Johnson was the main benefactor of Cherry’s inspired play, however.

The senior responded with his best game in perhaps a month, scoring 25 points on his patented combo of slashing drives and alternating pull-up jumpers. And when Eastern defenders tightened up on Johnson, he dished to the wings, where Staudacher’s 3-of-4 treys netted 11 points, while junior win Raason Young added six.

“That’s the Stauds I like, right there,” said Johnson. “When he’s knocking down shots, I don’t think there’s anybody who can do it better than him,

“We know we’re a better team when we’re attacking,” Johnson added. “I mean, it plays to everybody’s strength. Leave the attacking up to me and Will, and leave the three-point shooting to our shooters.”

Cherry finished with 17 points on 7-for-13 shooting, while forward Jack McGillis netted six and pulled down four rebounds.

Qvale – who scored only four points on the game – made up for it with his towering defense, which included two steals.

Eastern was led by Dean’s 15 points. Forbes added 12, while Dunn and Moore scored eight.

The Eagles finished with an 11-rebound margin (36-25), but the board battle was even in the second frame.

Montana turned the ball over only seven times.

Montana shot a lukewarm 18-of-26 free throws, but upped its shooting percentage to 49.1 – which included 7-of-15 from long range –  by game’s end.

After shaky preason, Big Sky basketball squads face tough early schedule

An interesting set of shaky exhibition debuts -- including a home-court loss by Northern Arizona -- from several Big Sky Conference teams as they “tuned-up” for the first counting games of the 09-10 season.

The Lumberjacks were dumped 75-65 by visiting Fort Lewis College. The contest was never close, as Fort Lewis jumped to a 13-2 lead and led throughout.

Elsewhere, the Idaho State Bengals, Weber State Wildcats, Montana State Bobcats and Eastern Washington Eagles struggled as well.

The Bengals got a game-tying trey from Broderick Gilchrest before beating UC-Colorado Springs 93-87 in overtime.

The Wildcats trailed Colorado Christian University 32-21 at halftime before rebounding for a solid second half and a 75-65 win.

PHOTO: Montana senior guard Anthony Johnson will attempt to lead the Grizzlies to their third NCAA post-season of the decade, starting Friday. Johnson says the key will be increased quickness on offense and defense.
"Last year, I think we didn't have as many weapons," said Johnson. "Our fast break we seriously lacked in transition... This year, we're trying to speed things up and get it up and down. We have the personnel to do so."

The Eagles led Division II Montana State Billings 32-30 at halftime, finally breaking a 50-50 tie before edging MSUB 67-58.

Finally, the Bobcats “cruised” to an 82-68 win over the University of Saskatchewan after trailing Saskatchewan through the first 10 minutes of the second half. The Cats led 39-38 at the half.

Montana, which beat Lewis and Clark State by 29, had a challenge as well, struggling to a 34-28 halftime lead before pulling away from the Warriors early in the second half.

Three other Big Sky teams -- Northern Colorado, Sacramento State and Portland State -- won by wide margins.

What’s it all mean? Probably nothing.

Except for the eyebrow-raising loss by the Lumberjacks, whose coach Mike Adras blamed the loss on poor team conditioning. Hmmm.

But Friday all games count, as seven of the nine Big Sky schools tip off the season with the other two in action Saturday.

The toughest opener? Perhaps Weber State against Stew Morrill’s Utah State Aggies, which are picked to win the WAC again this year. But the Wildcats are at home, primed to repeat as Big Sky champs. A win would confirm them as conference  favorites and might be a nice early season RPI investment for later in the season.

Other tough tip offs? Montana State travels to Nevada, picked third in the WAC. Idaho State travels to Iowa State, Sac State is at Rice. But early predictions indicate that the Cyclones and Owls are down this year and... perhaps beatable.

Portland State is in Seattle for the four-team Athletes in Action round-robin tourney hosted by the University of Washington (picked first in the PAC 10 and slated as a top-25 team nationally). The Vikings start with Belmont, before facing a tough Wright State squad (picked second in the Horizon League) and the Huskies in a game to be televised on Fox Sports NW. Two wins by the Viks would cast them as conference contenders. Three? Nah.

A win, or even a good game, by Eastern Washington against the visiting Portland Pilots (picked second behind Gonzaga in the WCC) would raise the Eagles’ stock. The Pilots are the same team (now as seniors) tha beat the Griz in Missoula two years ago, and won 19 last season. This is a good early season test for Kirk Earlywine’s jc transfer-loaded squad.

Montana hosts its own four-team round robin tourney in Missoula starting Friday, hosting North Dakota, Boise State and Loyola Marymount. The Fighting Sioux are rebuilding after a 16-win season. Marymount, 3-28 last year, plays intense pressure-D and should be improved, though still slated to finish last in the WCC.

The Broncos, picked to finish in the upper-tier of the tough WAC, return four starters from last year’s 19-win team, and are very well coached. This is a perfectly scheduled early season test for Montana. There’ll be no gimmes. A three-game sweep  -- difficult but not out of question -- would cast the Griz as Big Sky contenders in a league whose first conference games are a mere three weeks down the schedule.

Northern Colorado travels to Hawaii for three games in the Rainbow Classic. The Bears face two beatable squads in McNeese State and Southern Utah. Make that three, as the host Rainbow Warriors, picked dead last in the WAC, are experienced, but still vulnerable.

It’s odd to think that Northern Arizona coach Mike Adras will face a must-win game so early in the season. But after last season’s Lumberjack collapse, and an exhibition loss last week to Fort Lewis State, Adras will want his team to solidify in time to beat visiting Southwestern College. It just gets harder from there as the Jacks head to Tucson to face Arizona.

Johnson's 26 points lead Griz past ISU

Junior guard Anthony Johnson erupted for 20 second-half points and led the Montana Grizzlies to a 79-64 Big Sky Conference victory over the Idaho State Bengals before 3821 fans in Missoula’s Dahlberg Arena Sunday.

Johnson, who had been limited to just six first-half points on 3-of-5 shots, was unstoppable over the final 20 minutes, making 4-for-5 from the field. When the Bengals stopped Johnson, they usually fouled him. The result was a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line for the conference’s leading scorer and free throw shooter.

Complete game story with additional photos will be posted later tonight.