Griz Scouting Reports: Big Sky

Portland State at MONTANA, Mar. 1 

THE GAME: Portland State University University of Montana.Game time is 7:05 p.m., with radio coverage provided by KGVO and announcer Mick Holien. TV --  Fans with PCs and Internet access can view a video stream of the game from Big Sky Television (www.bigskytv.org) for a fee.

RECORDS: Portland State is 8-11 (2-5). The Vikings are +1 in home/road splits with an impressive 10-point victory at Idaho State.

The VIKINGS are 11-8, 4-2, with WiNS against IUPUI (75-73), Akron (66-63), Linfield (93-50), Portland (78-73), Utah Valley State (60-53 OY), Lewis and Clark (61-60), Cal Poly (74-66), Sacramento State (83-58), Northern Arizona (80-66), Idaho State (71-61), and Northern Colorado (85-83 OT), Montana (70-68), Montana State (96-85), Northern Arizona (71-68), Sacramento State (79-56), Idaho State (81-58), Weber State (76-73),  Northern Colorady (88-79), and Montana State (96-68).The Vikings have LOST to: UCLA (69-48), Colorado State (64-63), UC Davis (76-68), Washington State (72-60), Washington (84-65), Eastern Washington (58-57),  San Jose State (76-73 OT), Weber State (73-68) an Cal State Fullerton (85-69).

Montana takes a 13-14, 7-7 record into the game with LOSSES to Gonzaga, Washington State, Cal State Fullerton (2), Portland, Pacific, Santa Clara, MSU (74-58), Northern Arizona (72-64), Idaho State (56-54). Weber State (68-67) at Portland State (70-68) and last Saturday to NAU (80-76) and at Weber State (76-67). The Grizzlies have WINS over Colorado State (75-39), Montana State Northern (72-47), South Dakota State (70-61), Air Force (59-57), Mississippi Valley State (69-62), Montana Tech (91-36), at Sacramento State (76-69), Eastern Washington (80-61), at Northern Colorado (71-60), at Eastern Washington (59-57),  Montana State (88-76), Sac State (90-57), at Idaho State in overtime (72-63), and against Northern Colrado (81-66).

Portland State has not lost a game in Big Sky Conference action since Jan 10, and have won 10 of their last 11. The Grizzlies are looking for their third straight win and second straight home win.

THE COACH: Ken Bone has a record of 52-38 in his third year at Portland State University. The veteran coach, who served a major stint as head assistant at the University of Washington in between head coaching jobs at Seattle Pacific and Portland State, has a career record of 300-155 since his first head coaching position at Cal State Stanislaus in 1984-85. He registered a 253-97 (.723) record with the Falcons between 1990-2002. Bone’s SPU teams claimed six outright or shared Pacific West Conference championships and earned eight NCAA playoff appearances. During his three-year stint at Washington, the Huskies won a Pac 10 title and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. Bone is considered a quality recruiter, with a knack for recruiting transfers from major college programs.

HISTORY: The series is tied, 21-21.The Vikings won the teams’ previous game, 70-68 in  Portland.

PERSONNEL: Though the Vikings have talent and size in marquee seniors, 6’-11” center Scott Morrison (11.3 points per game) and 6’-4” swingman Deonte Huff (13.3 ppg), it’s been 5’-6” junior transfer point guard Jeramiah Dominguez who has been the key cog in Portland State’s success so far. Dominguez leads the Big Sky Conference in three-point field goals made (2.52 per game) steals (1.89 per game), and free throw percentage (.833), is second in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.63) and ranks third in assists (4.04 per game). He also paces the Vikings in scoring with a 13.6 per-game average. Dominguez is a slasher who creates havoc when he penetrates into the key. Morrison and Huff are the key benefactors of Dominguez’ penetrate and kick style. On defense, Dominguez’ ability to either stop his opponents’ dribble and/or steal the ball has prevented taller guards from posting up on him. Though he’s just a junior, Dominguez is, in my estimation, the leading contender for Big Sky MVP at this point.

Huff is another slasher who, at wing, creates his own offense with quick dribble-enter moves to the bucket. If denied, Huff can quickly alternate to a very athletic pull-up jumper high in the key that’s hard to defend, which creates free throw opportunities (93) that he converts at an excellent .769 percentage. Huff leads the Vikings in shooting percentage (.486) and ranks second in scoring (13.3), assists (70) and steals (30)

Morrison, picked by many in preseason as a contender for Big Sky MVP, is the Vikings’ third-leading scorer with a 11.3 per game average, and leads the Vikngs with 6.2 rebounds per game.

Andre Murray, the Vikings’ 6’-2” shooting guard, has played an important and increasingly visible role the Vikings’ recent conference dominance, scoring at an 8.8 ppg average in conference. Murray has supplanted last year’s starter, Dupree Lucas, who has battled nagging injuries , but has seen more action of late (perhaps an another imporant factor in the Vikings’ recent dominance).

THE TEAM: At this point, hands-down the deepest team in the Big Sky ahead of Northern Arizona. The Vikings’ starting lineup was fluid through pre-season, and that’s created good team depth. In conference play, Bone stuck primarily with a starting five that includes: SR C Scott Morrison (6’-11”), SO F Kyle Coston (6’-8”), SR G Deonte Huff (6’-4”), JR G Andre Murray (6’-2”) and JR G Jeremiah Dominguez (5’-8”). Key players off the bench are senior guard Dupree Lucas, and 6’-6” sophomore forward/wng Tyrell Mara.

A huge tribute to Bone’s Vikings is their ability to adjust to their opponents. If they need to shut-down a specific player they’ve done so. If they need to run uptempo to beat a team, they’ve done so. If they need to pound it inside to Morrison, they’ve had success there as well. They can win by playing uptempo or via a patient halfcourt game. Those are marks of a championship-caliber team.

HOW TO BEAT THE VIKINGS:
On defense --  Stop Jerimiah Dominguez. The Vikings love to play an uptempo game that begins with Dominguez attempting to dribble-enter into the key or all the way for a layup. If he’s fronted, he’s got a quick-release outside shot, or he’ll quickly kick a pass to the wings. The Vikings, however, are a disciplined team and Dominguez has learned when and how to get the Vikings quickly into half court offense. Montana’s objective should be to front Dominguez and force the Vikings to play a half court game.
If Montana’s guards can keep  the Vikings on the perimeter they stand a chance. If not, it’ll be a blowout a la PSU’s win over Montana State. This game might be a test of Montana guard Ceylon Elgin-Taylor’s man-on defense. The Vikings present a huge challenge to Montana’s defense. It could be a game of swings and surges. But the Grizzlies will be out of this game early if they don’t stop the Vikings early O.

On Offense --  I think my first line of attack has changed. I now think Montana can beat the Vikings by starting outside first. If Ryan Staudacher, Jordan Hasquet, Matt Martin and Cameron Rundles can knock them down early, the Vikings will have to extend their defense. If that works, then Strait can take over inside. Although Portland State has more size on the front court than most Big Sky teams, That means the Grizzlies can create a productive inside-outside game with Strait as the second option. Montana also will have a significant size advantage at wing. This would be a perfect night for Jordan Hasquet to prove that his scoreless outing against the Vikings in Portland was an anomaly. Lastly, the Griz can have success running a guard post play for whoever Dominguez is guarding. The Griz ran a guard low-post option for Staudacher earlier in the year that worked. This would be a good game to dust that play off and run it.

Individuals -- Montana has severely missed freshman post Brian Qvale and need his defensive presence against Morrison. If not, then a resurgent Rundles will need to shoot like he did against Northern Colorado. This will also be the perfect game for Ceylon Elgin-Taylor to shoot the jumpers over the much smaller Dominguez. If he, or any other Montana guard can score over Dominguez, it’ll be a significant Montana advantage.

HEALTH: Senior Andrew Strait suffered a broken nose during Friday’s practice. Senior Matt Martin is still battling the effects of a troublesome virus.

Northern Colorado at MONTANA   Feb. 28

MONTANA v.s Northern Colorado

Game time is 7:05 p.m., with radio coverage provided by KGVO and announcer Mick Holien. TV --  Fans with PCs and Internet access can view a video stream of the game from Big Sky Television (www.bigskytv.org) for a fee.

THE GAME: University of Northern Colorado at Montana @ 7:05 p.m.

RECORDS: Northern Colorado is 12-15 (5-9).

The Bears have WINS against VMI (104-97), Denver (54-46), Johnson + Wales (62-51), Colorado State (72-59), Bowling Green St. (64-60 OT), Sacramento State (74-60), Weber State (55-52), and San Diego State (62-56), Northern Arizona (80-77), Idaho State (76-66), Johnson & Wales (84-65), and Eastern Washington (79-66). The Bears have LOST to: Air Force (71-62), Iowa (59-47), Denver (69-53), Gonzaga (77-57), Oregon State (65-56), Portland (70-63),  Northern Arizona (86-70), Idaho State (76-65), Eastern Washington (91-85 OT), Portland State (85-83 OT), and Montana State (70-67), Montana (71-60), Sac State (74-70), Weber State ( 70-54), and Portland State (88-79).

Montana takes a 13-14, 7-7 record into the game with LOSSES to Gonzaga, Washington State, Cal State Fullerton (2), Portland, Pacific, Santa Clara, MSU (74-58), Northern Arizona (72-64), Idaho State (56-54). Weber State (68-67) at Portland State (70-68) and last Saturday to NAU (80-76) and at Weber State (76-67). The Grizzlies have WINS over Colorado State (75-39), Montana State Northern (72-47), South Dakota State (70-61), Air Force (59-57), Mississippi Valley State (69-62), Montana Tech (91-36), at Sacramento State (76-69), Eastern Washington (80-61), at Northern Colorado (71-60), at Eastern Washington (59-57),  Montana State (88-76), Sac State (90-57), and at Idaho State in overtime (72-63).

THE COACH:  Tad Boyle, is in his second year as head coach of the University of Northern Colorado Bears. This is his first head coaching position after having served as an assistant at Oregon (1994-97), Tennessee (1997-98), Jacksonville State (1998-2000), and Wichita State (2000-2006). He is the 17th head coach at UNC. A native of Greeley, Colorado, Boyle spent the past six seasons at Wichita State on the staff of longtime friend Mark Turgeon. Boyle’s record at UNC is 10-25.

HISTORY: Montana leads the series 7-1. The Grizzlies won the last meeting between the two teams (71-60).

PERSONNEL: The Bears are led by Jabril Banks, a 6’-7” junior forward. Banks leads the Bears with a 13.1 per-game scoring average, and is  rebounding an average of 5.9 per game. Banks is considered one of the better small forwards in the Big Sky and is very aggressive, as his whopping 136 free throw attempts illustrate. Second-leading scorer, guard Sean Taibi (11.1 ppg) has seen less playing time recently, giving way to Will Figures and sophomore forward Jefferson Mason toward the second half of conference play. But Taibi is a major three-point threat and can change games quickly from long range. Banks scored 16 and Figures had 13 in the teams’ first meeting of the year. Other key players include senior guard Thanasi Panagiotakopoulos, who averages 8.2 points per game. Guard Robert Palacios, who averages 5.9 points and 2.33 assists per game, is considered a solid defender and is the fourth-ranked player in the Big Sky in steals (1.61 pg.)

THE TEAM: Statistically the Bears are a second-tier team in every team category and are a solid league worst in turnovers, three-point field goal defense and blocked shots. But the Bears have good overall team quickness, play solid defense, and create opportunities in early offense, even though the Bears aren’t really a running team. The Bears are an unpredictable team which can occasionally uncork a great game. That will happen if teams don’t stop the quick, small front court line in the blocks. The Bears, like the Griz, have played competitively, but have lost more close games than they’ve won.

HOW TO BEAT THE BEARS: If Montana can neutralize the Bears’ overall advantage in quickness, the Griz match up very well in every other category. Simply put: pound it low. And when the defense collapses, swing it out to Montana’s shooters and tell them to win it with threes.
One other factor. Here’s hoping that Brian Qvale is getting close to 100% because he’ll make Montana a force sooner rather than later. Qvale’s presence on the floor should make Montana the most powerful team in the Big Sky in the front court. And that should  soon lead to the most versatile inside-outside-wing combo in the conference. Before the first time these two teams met I wrote: “Qvale was once considered the future. The future is now. If Montana commits to its newfound dominant lineup, Qvale’s presence can make the Griz the most feared team in the Big Sky.” They did that and Montana was on the verge of dominance until Qvale suffered a sever high ankle sprain. If Brian can get close to his mid-season form, the Griz might be ready to rock. It would be goof for Qvale to get enough minutes to get him back into a comfort zone.

On defense -- The Bears are vulnerable at point guard. But the Bears like to enter the ball quickly on defense, so it’s critical that Montana guards stop the Bears guards from generating offensive flow. The Griz did just that in the teams’ first meeting, holding NCU to 36.7% shooting from the field and 12.5% from three point range. The switching-trapping guard defense the Griz used against Idaho State can also be successful against a Northern Colorado team that relies upon two undersized forwards for its scoring punch. If the Griz attack the Bears’ back court aggressively, they should win. If Montana allows Jabril Banks and Jefferson Mason to get the ball near the paint, then the Griz risk getting into foul trouble early. This game will be won on defense by Montana’s ever improving defensive perimeter defenders.

On Offense -- Every Big Sky team that’s played the Griz has double-teamed Andrew Strait. They can’t. Pound it low to Andrew first. Strait just keeps getting better. If the Griz get the ball low to Andrew and Kyle Sharp first, then – when the Bears defense collapses – get it to Jordan Hasquet, Ryan Staaudacher and Matt Martin on the perimeter, the Griz should be able to handle NCU. It starts with the inside game because I don’t think there’s a team in the Big Sky that can stop Montana’s steadily improving front court game.

Individuals -- I think success against the Bears starts with solid defense from Ceylon Elgin-Taylor and Ryan Staudacher, and a rejuvenated Cameron Rundles. The Griz need Matt Martin to get back on a three-point shooting hot streak as well. Martin is a fighter and the Griz need his moxie on the floor. Also, Jordan Hasquet is starting to get comfortable at the wing on offense. That bodes some very good signs for the Griz.

HEALTH: Battered, but getting better each game.

MONTANA at Idaho State, Feb. 24

THE GAME: Montana at Idaho State at 2:05 p.m.

Game time is 2:05 p.m., with radio coverage provided by KGVO and announcer Mick Holien. TV -- The game will be broadcast on Altitude Sports, which can be found at: Channel 59 on Bresnan Cable, Channel 410 on Dish Network, and Channel 644 on DirecTV. Fans with PCs and Internet access can view a video stream of the game from Big Sky Television (www.bigskytv.org) for a fee. Those who have macs, like me, are out of luck.

RECORDS:  The Bengals are 10-15, 7-6. The Bengals have wins against MSU Northern (76-69), Idaho (71-69), Northwest Nazarene (71-66), Northern Colorado (76-65), Eastern Washington (58-56), Montana (56-54), Sacramento State (86-63), Northern Arizona (69-67), Weber State (63-59), and Montana State (64-49). ISU has LOST to: Iowa (58-43), Long Beach State (66-61),  Oregon State (56-41), Portland (76-52), Boise State (93-66), UCLA (89-49), Washington State (75-45), Utah (68-51), Washington (82-50), Portland State (71-61) at Montana State (74-53), at Weber State (59-57), Northern Colorado (76-66), at Portland State (81-58), and at Eastern Washington (63-53)

Montana takes a 12-13, 6-6 record into the game with LOSSES to Gonzaga, Washington State, Cal State Fullerton (2), Portland, Pacific, Santa Clara, MSU (74-58), Northern Arizona (72-64), Idaho State (56-54). Weber State (68-67) at Portland State (70-68) and last Saturday to NAU (80-76) and at Weber State (76-67). The Grizzlies have WINS over Colorado State (75-39), Montana State Northern (72-47), South Dakota State (70-61), Air Force (59-57), Mississippi Valley State (69-62), Montana Tech (91-36), at Sacramento State (76-69), Eastern Washington (80-61), at Northern Colorado (71-60), at Eastern Washington (59-57),  Montana State (88-76), and Sac State (90-57).

THE COACH: Joe O'brien is 18-26 in his second year at the helm of the Idaho State Bengals. O'Brien built a career as one of the outstanding junior college coaches in the country before taking his first division 1 position at ISU.
O’Brien, one of only three coaches to ever win three Junior College National Championships, built a 313-117 record as a junior college coach, and is currently in his 22nd year as a collegiate basketball head coach. He has built a reputation for his teams’ tough zone defense, a combination of straight zone and matchup zone.

HISTORY: Montana leads series 86-41. The Grizzlies forged a 2-1 record against the Bengals last year, losing 79-69 to the Bengals in Missoula before taking a 72-71 OT verdict at Pocatello in the teams’ last conference game of the year, and then beating the Bengals 70-63 in OT at Missoula in the first game of the 2007 Big Sky post-season playoffs. The Grizzlies hold a 55-12 record against the Bengals in Missoula.

PERSONNEL:  Bengal forward Matt Stucki leads the team in scoring at 11.7 points per game, but has, like the rest of the Bengals, been up and down, shooting at a 42% ratio from the field, 30% from three point range. Point guard Amorrow Morgan is the only has slipped into single-digit scoring average at 9.3  per game, and has only 68 assists on the season compared to 82 turnovers. Morgan is the Bengals' shophomore point guard, and was pressed into service early after the departure of two junior college transfers. Morgan is shooting 44% from the field, 26% from three-point range. No other Bengal is averaging over eight points per game. ISU is averaging 59.8 points per game, and allows 71.8 per game. The Bengals are one of the worst shooting teams in the conference with 43% field goal average, 30% from three-point range.

THE TEAM: Since beating the Grizzlies 56-54 Jan. 17 on a last-second shot, the Bengals have gone 4-5 in conference play.

HOW TO BEAT THE BENGALS: More than any other factor, defensive and offensive rebounding may be the key to a win against the Bengals, who rank toward the bottom of the conference in rebounding and get burned frequently by teams who hit the offensive glass well for second chances.

On defense --  Stop Matt Stucki. Stucki is a wing/small forward with the ability to drive quickly to the bucket. When stopped, he hasn’t shot all that well from long range... until Sunday, when he hit several pull-up treys over the sagging Portland State defense. The prime objective should be to keep Stucki on the perimeter. Secondly, point guard Amorow Morgan has been adept at driving into the key. If Morgan can be kept from penetrating, the Bengals haven’t shown the ability to score from long range. Despite players of promise like the fiery Logan Kinghorn and Austin Kilpatrick, the Bengals have struggled on offense. Junior college transfer Lucas Steijn has played well below expectations on offense.

On offense -- Patience is a must against the ISU zone, which forces offensive passes to the baseline and then traps wing or guard players. Obrien’s Bengals are known for playing a very tough flexing zone that will cause passing turnovers when post players pass the ball back out to guards on any kind of inside-outside ball movement. The Bengal zone is designed to trap wing players on the baseline and then deny passes toward half court. That usually means that diagonal or sideline-to-sideline passes can be effective at stretching the Bengal zone. Another strategy that works is a diagonal pass on a reverse to a forward that breaks low off of a low post screen. As with any zone (except maybe the Lady Griz zone), it can be flexed for inside shots with good point guard play and careful passing. The word on the Bengals is that they play zone tough for the first 3 passes, and then break down if the ball gets reversed.
Portland State burned the Bengals with early-offense baseline treys and offensive rebounds. Lastly... it’s critical to get an early lead on the Bengal zone. Doing so might cause ISU to play man (doubtful) defense, something they haven’t proven they can play very well or very consistently.

Individuals -- The Bengal zone is actually designed to force early three-point shots from the wings. If Montana point guards can dribble enter toward the key from the sideline, the Bengal zone should collapse, which could open things up wide on the weak side. Montana can win if Andrew Strait. and Jordan Hasquet get the ball down in mid-key or in the blocks... and if they make their free throws. If they don’t have shots, it’ll be critical that Strait and Hasquet make good passes back to the perimeter guards. The Griz need someone else to step up for them: I nominate Kyle Sharp, whose rebounding, particularly on offense, can spark the Griz.

I believe the Bengals are potentially very vulnerable against any low-block size. This should be a good game for freshman Brian Qvale to get his feet back on the court... both offensively and defensively. The big guy could make a difference.

Lastly: The Bengals are a perfect opponent for Montana sharpshooters Matt Martin and Ryan Staudacher. If Ceylon Elgin Taylor and Cameron Rundles can get good reversal on perimeter passes, the baseline is often open as well as is the weak side for 45-degree long-range shots.

HEALTH: On the mend.

Montana at Weber State, Feb. 21

THE GAME: Weber State at University of Montana, at 7:05 p.m.

Game time is 7:05 p.m., with radio coverage provided by KGVO and announcer Mick Holien. TV --  Fans with PCs and Internet access can view a video stream of the game from Big Sky Television (www.bigskytv.org) for a fee.

RECORDS: Weber State is 12-12, 7-5. Since beating Montana in Missoula on Jan 20, the Wildcats have gone 3-4 in conference play, but are still in third place in conference play, tied with Montana State.

The Wildcats have WINS against Utah State (78-71), Cal State Bakersfield (two--61-56 and 74-43), Montana Western (94-84), San Francisco (62-54), Portland State (73-68), Eastern Washington (74-64), Montana State (78-76), Montana 68-67),  Sacramento State (69-56), Idaho State (59-57), and Northern Colorado (70-54).The Wildcats have LOST games to: Cal State San Bernadino (71-59), Youngstown State (69-66), Utah (72-52), Illinois (78-61), BYU (72-57), San Francisco (67-65), New Mexico (62-32), and Northern Colorado (55-52), Northern Arizona (69-56), Idaho State (63-59), Eastern Washington (69-57), and Portland State 76-73).

Montana takes a 12-13, 6-6 record into the game with LOSSES to Gonzaga, Washington State, Cal State Fullerton (2), Portland, Pacific, Santa Clara, MSU (74-58), Northern Arizona (72-64), Idaho State (56-54). Weber State (68-67) at Portland State (70-68) and last Saturday to NAU (80-76 .The Grizzlies have WINS over Colorado State (75-39), Montana State Northern (72-47), South Dakota State (70-61), Air Force (59-57), Mississippi Valley State (69-62), Montana Tech (91-36), at Sacramento State (76-69), Eastern Washington (80-61), at Northern Colorado (71-60), at Eastern Washington (59-57),  Montana State (88-76), and Sac State (90-57).

THE COACH: Weber State Coach, Randy Rahe led the Wildcats to a Big Sky Conference regular season and tournament championship in his first year at Weber State, and was named Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year and the USBWA District 7 Coach of the Year. Rahe’s current record at WSU is 27-20 (.574) overall and 13-6 (.684) in Big Sky Conference regular season games. Before taking the helm at WSU, Rahe served two years as an assistant coach at the University of Utah under Ray Giacoletti. Prior to that, he was an assistant under Coach Stew Morrill at Utah State for six seasons and at Colorado State for seven seasons.

COACHING HISTORY -- Rahe and Tinkle have an interesting history by virtue of their separate association with former Montana Head Coach Stew Morrill, who is currently head coach at Utah State. Tinkle played two years under Morrill, earning Griz MVP awards in leading Montana to back-to-back 18-11 seasons. Rahe served as Morrill’s assistant at Colorado State and Utah State before moving on to Utah as an assistant. before heading to Weber State as head coach.

HISTORY: Weber State leads series 60-43 over Montana. The 43 Montana wins is best record of any Big Sky team against the Wildcats. Montana and Weber State rank #1 and #2 in Big Sky Conference wins: the Griz have an all-time record of 413-247 (.624), while the Wildcats are 399-271 (.597)

PERSONNEL: Three seniors -- Dezmon Harris, Arturus Valeika and Brody Van Brocklin -- have started in mot of the Wildcat’ games, and a fourth senior, Tyler Billings, is often the first forward off of the bench. But Rahe has experimented with several starting combinations and has six players who average a minimum of 17 minutes per game.  The Wildcats, with improved play from Kellen McCoy (11.1 ppg) and Daviin Davis (10.1 ppg), have become more of a guard-oriented team over the past several games.  When shooting guard Dezmon Harris has a good game, the Wildcats usually win. Power forward Valeika did not produce offensively for the Wildcats early in the year (8.1 ppg average), but has upped his scoring average in conference play to 10.1 points per game. Valeika is the clear conference rebounding leader with an average of 9.1 per game, but no other Wildcat player is a leader in any Big Sky stats category. Sophomore 6’-8” post Steve Panos has stepped up offensively during league play, with an average of 7.3 points per game.

THE TEAM: Rahe’s Wildcats were picked (as was Montana) by several publications to challenge for the Big Sky Crown, but have struggled in recent weeks. Though WSU played Portland State toe-to-toe in a tough 3-point loss Saturday, that was after the Wildcats had lost a winnable game at Eastern Washington. If the Wildcats beat the Griz Thursday, they will have a solid inside-track to host a first-round playoff game. Earlier in the season Dezmon Harris was the clear team leader. Since the teams’ last meeting, however, five different Wildcat players have led the team in scoring (Davis, Harris, McCoy, Panos, Valeika).

HOW TO BEAT THE WILDCATS: Dezmon Harris is one of the premier guards in the Big Sky, but the Wildcat back court has just gotten stronger, thanks to improved play by Kellen McCoy. The Griz will need to contain both players to win. Montana has -- in Ceylon Elgin-Taylor and Ryan Staudacher -- players capable of containing WSU’s back court. The single factor critical to Montana’s success is perimeter shooting from the entire back court. That means Matt Martin, Staudacher, Jordan Hasquet and Ceylon Elgin-Taylor... if open, have to knock several down. Otherwise the Wildcats will pack a double- and sometimes triple- team defense around Andrew Strait, like they did in Missoula. We’ve seen the Griz fold late in games when they can’t contain their opponents’ point guards. This game presents the same problem. Shut down Harris and McCoy late and the Griz have a chance.

On defense --  The best defense the Grizzlies can play will be on the boards. The NAU Lumberjacks humiliated the Griz on the boards last week and, if that pattern is repeated, there’ll be trouble in Ogden. Otherwise, if the Griz can play solid defense against Valeika and Panos, then Montana guards can concentrate on the Wildcats’ true strength: its guards. Montana led the Wildcats in Missoula until Dezmon Harris took over in the final five minutes of play. Shut Dezmon down late and the Griz have a chance for a win. Harris is a load, but  Ceylon Elgin-Taylor can play with him. If ET can neutralize Harris, the Wildcats can be beaten.


On offense -- We keep hearing Montana Coach Wayne Tinkle say that when Montana’s inside game is  working, everything opens up on the perimeter. But Northern Arizona beat the Grizzlies because Montana’s perimeter game never got untracked. I often think the reverse is true: that Montana’s perimeter game opens things up inside. However it works, Montana must shoot its season average from long range to have a chance in Ogden. Jordan Hasquet will match up very well at the wing (#3) position. If Hasquet can catch fire early, the Grizzlies have more than a decent chance against the Wildcats. I do believe that no single Wildcat player can stop Strait. But the Wildcats always had a double on Andrew, and it was  tough for him to even move, much less score. The key, from this fan, is scoring from the perimeter... early and late.
         
Individuals --  Montana freshman post Brian Qvale, who has not played since spraining an ankle prior to the Montana State game, may well be the key to a win at Ogden. Scratch that. Qvale may be the key to Montana’s flagging post-season hopes. If he can get close to the minutes and play with the mid-key dominance he provided prior to his injury, the Griz become a much more versatile team.

Lastly --  There was speculation among journalists after Montana’s loss to Northern Arizona, that a home-court playoff game for the Griz is now a lost cause. Without at least a split on this week’s road trip, the Griz would tumble down to sixth place in conference. Their best hope then would be a return to Ogden for a first-round playoff game. That makes Thursday’s game against WSU even more important for the Griz. Though a road win over Idaho State may be more important statistically, the Griz need more than a “good showing” right now. The Griz need a road win.

HEALTH: Getting better.

Northern Arizona at Montana, Feb. 16

Game time is 7:05 p.m., with radio coverage provided by KGVO and announcer Mick Holien. Those with PCs and Internet access can view a video stream of the game from Big Sky Television (www.bigskytv.org) for a fee.

THE GAME: Northern Arizona at Montana, Saturday, Feb. 16 at 7:05.

RECORDS: The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks are 15-10, 7-5, with WINS over Adams State (78-65), Missouri-Kansas City (77-62), Mississippi Valley State (65-56), Western Kentucky (64-61), Cal Poly (85-51), San Jose State (62-57), Haskell (105-72), Furman (68-56), Northern Colorado (86-70), Eastern Washington (79-75), Montana (72-64), Montana State (78-58), Sacramento State (80-69), Weber State (69-56), and Eastern Washington (68-64). The Lumberjacks have LOST to: Arizona (76-69), Kansas (87-46), Pepperdine (93-87 OT), UNLV (83-74), Utah State (78-62), Portland State (80-66), Idaho State (69-67), Northern Colorado (80-77), Portland State (71-68) and Montana State (70-67).

Montana takes a 12-12,6-5 record into the game with LOSSES to Gonzaga, Washington State, Cal State Fullerton (2), Portland, Pacific, Santa Clara, MSU (74-58), Northern Arizona (72-64), Idaho State (56-54). Weber State (68-67) and at Portland State (70-68).The Grizzlies have WINS over Colorado State (75-39), Montana State Northern (72-47), South Dakota State (70-61), Air Force (59-57), Mississippi Valley State (69-62), Montana Tech (91-36), at Sacramento State (76-69), Eastern Washington (80-61), at Northern Colorado (71-60), at Eastern Washington (59-57),  Montana State (88-76), and Sac State (90-57).

THE COACH: Mike Adras (144-115, all at Northern Arizona) is the dean of Big Sky Coaches and also considered one of its classiest mentors. He is noted for his “Recruit to Shoot” philosophy. He was named Big Sky Coach of the year in 2005-06, and took the Lumberjacks to the NCAA Playoffs in his first year at the helm.

HISTORY: Montana leads series, 53-27, but lost 72-64 to the Jacks in the teams’ first meeting Jan. 10 in Flagstaff. The Grizzlies led through much of the early going, but collapsed with about 8 minutes remaining.

PERSONNEL: Senior center Kyle Landry is the second-ranked scorer in the Big Sky (behind Carlos Taylor) with 17.7 points per game. Point guard Josh Wilson averages 11.3 points per game, and averages a Big Sky best 5.68 assists per game, and has a +1.60 assist-to-turnover ratio. Nate Geiser scores 9.7 ppg and averages 2.36 3-point field goals per outing. Landry (3rd, 8.1) and McCurdy (13th, 5.3) are ranked among the top 15 in rebounding. Wilson is considered one of the best point guards in the conference while Landry is a contender for Conference MVP. Geiser, Zach Filzen and Matt Johnson are accomplished 3-point shooters.

THE TEAM: The Lumberjacks were positioned well at the mid-point of Big Sky Conference play, but have stumbled big-time, with FOUR losses over their past five games, including a one-point heart-breaker at Idaho State and a 3-point stunner at Northern Colorado. Now the Jacks are fighting just to be able to host a first-round playoff game... even though their schedule after they leave Montana is favorable. The Lumberjacks are a senior-laden team, but only Landry and McCurdy start. McCurdy has not played well over the past several games and is seeing fewer minutes. Wilson, a junior, has started at point since his freshman season. Always known as a fast-paced, three-point shooting team, NAU is scoring at a modest 72.8 points per game (2nd), and have slipped from first to second in conference in field goal percentage (48%) behind Montana, and two notches to third in 3-point field goal percentage (37%) behind Montana and Portland State. The Jacks have slipped even more dramatically on defense. Once ranked in the top two in no fewer than six defensive categories, the Jacks have maintained a top spot in only one category: defensive rebounding.

THE MATCHUP: In past years Northern Arizona was happy to beat opponents from long range. This year the Jacks are getting it done in the low blocks, led by  the pair of 6’-9” front men, Landry and McCurdy and junior transfer Zarko Comagic (6’-6”). NAU is one of the Big Sky’s deepest teams top to bottom. While only Landry and Wilson score in double digits, five more players average 7+ points per game. The Jacks are the best rebounding team in the Big Sky this season and, led by Landry’s low-block efficiency, have a potent front court attack. The Jacks have the second-highest scoring average in the Big Sky (72.8), but they’re ranked uncharacteristically low at 6th in 3-point field goals (6.32). Adras has an experienced vet in Wilson running the point, and Wilson’s good at getting it to the open man. If not, he’ll pull up and shoot 15-foot jumpers from the tip of the key.

In the last game between these two teams, the Griz could not stop Kyle Landry (27 points & 11 rebounds), the second-ranked scorer in the Big Sky (17.7 ppg) behind Carlos Taylor. If Landry breaks out a second time against the Griz it’ll be a long night in Missoula. The job will probably go to Jordan Hasquet, because Landry is quite mobile and would be a tough match for Andrew Strait. We might see Kyle Sharp share duties against Landry. Montana got quality minutes from reserve center Dave Vanderjagt, who just might provide a positive matchup against Landry, allowing for Montana’s low block players to rotate against the Jacks big men. Stop Josh Wilson second. If Wilson penetrates the key at will it’ll be a long night for the Griz. I’d expect Ceylon Elgin-Taylor to defend Wilson, but Ryan Staudacher may also share defensive duties against Wilson.

HOW TO BEAT THE JACKS: Stop Kyle Landry. Keep Josh Wilson from penetrating into the key. Rebound. If the Griz can’t be within 3-4 boards of the Jacks it’ll be tough, because this team doesn’t turn the ball over.

On offense: In the first game the Jacks double-teamed Andrew Strait and the Griz didn’t have an answer. If Montana can get balanced scoring from both its low block and perimeter players, the Jacks (essentially a two-man defensive team) will struggle. If the Griz can spring Andrew free so he can attack the basket, then the Griz will match up well against the Jacks.

Finally: Montana won’t win without a solid floor game from Ceylon Elgin-Taylor. Junior should be able to drive on Josh Wilson. IMPORTANT STATISTIC: The last time the teams met in Flagstaff, NAU led the conference in 3-point defense. Since then the Jacks have fallen to fifth and allow opponents to shoot at nearly a 37% ratio. If Montana can maintain its current legue-leading 41% shooting ratio from long range, the Griz have a solid shot against the Jacks.

HEALTH: Very fragile. Several players and their coach are battling a virus. Brian Qvale may return, but  may not see much action. Elgin-Taylor and Rundles are dealing with deep bruises, and Staudacher has a chronic foot strain.

Sacramento State at Montana, Feb. 14

Game time is 7:05 p.m., with radio coverage provided by KGVO and announcer Mick Holien. Fans with PCs and Internet access can view a video stream of the game from Big Sky Television (www.bigskytv.org) for a fee.

RECORDS: The Hornets are 4-18/ 2-9. The Hornets have two win against Division I foes, a 78-77 decision against the Bobcats on Jan. 10, a 74-70 win over Northern Colorado on Feb. 2, plus and wins over Simpson and William Jessup. Sac State has LOST to: Kansas State (94-63), Southern Utah (57-53), San Francisco (93-63), Pacific (75-62), Santa Clara (77-65), Stanford (84-58), Oregon (93-66), Marquette (82-51), Northern Colorado (74-60), Portland State (83-58), Eastern Washington (76-52), Montana (76-69), Cal State Bakersfield (73-61), Northern Arizona (80-69), Weber State (69-56), Idaho State (86-63), Eastern Washington (59-57), and Portland State (79-56).

Montana takes a 11-12, 5-5 record into the game with LOSSES to Gonzaga, Washington State, Cal State Fullerton (2), Portland, Pacific, Santa Clara, MSU (74-58), Northern Arizona (72-64), Idaho State (56-54). Weber State (68-67) and at Portland State (70-68).The Grizzlies have WINS over Colorado State (75-39), Montana State Northern (72-47), South Dakota State (70-61), Air Force (59-57), Mississippi Valley State (69-62), Montana Tech (91-36), at Sacramento State (76-69), Eastern Washington (80-61), at Northern Colorado (71-60), at Eastern Washington (59-57), and Montana State (88-76).

THE COACH: Jerome Jenkins enters his eighth season, and has averaged 10.9 wins per season. He now ranks third in Sacramento State men's basketball history with 79 career victories. The Hornets have reached the Big Sky Tournament four times in the last five years.

HISTORY: Montana holds a 23-5 record against the Hornets, and beat the Hornets 76-69 in Sacramento on Jan. 12.

PERSONNEL: Sac State is the league’s tough-break team, with two rostered players out for the season with injuries, one out indefinitely because of injury, and one out indefinitely with academic issues. Senior Jason Davis recently was recently re-instated to the team after resolving an academic issue.

Since the teams’ first meeting, Hornets coach Jerome Jenkins has juggled his lineup, benching 18-game starter, junior Loren Leath, in favor of junior Donald Thomas, who is averaging 5.2 ppg. The Hornets still start two freshmen. Point guard Vinnie McGhee, Jr. is averaging a team-high 33 minutes (third in the Big Sky) and leads the Big Sky with 5.3 assists per game and is third in steals with 1.6 per game. McGhee has scored in double figures 12 times. Freshman swingman Darnell Ferguson averages 12 minutes per game, but scores only 2.0 points per game. Leath is is still ranked among the Big Sky’s leading scorers, but notched only eight points against Portland State Saturday. Senior 6’-6” swingman Justin Williams averages 8.2 points per game, but has seen less playing time since senior Davis has returned to action after resolving an academic issue.

THE TEAM: Jenkins’ Hornets have always beaten teams by employing constant on-ball defensive pressure and converting turnovers into a fast-paced all-court offense. That’s partly true this year. The Hornets lead the conference in steals, with an 9.09 average per game and a +2.27 turnover margin. The Hornets are ranked third in the Big Sky in offensive rebounds, with 11.98+ per game. Despite the steals, and McGhee’s league-leading count in assists, and the offensive rebounds, the Hornets are second-worst in assists-to-turnovers (0.77) and dead last in overall rebounds (-8.2), and allow opponents to shoot at a 49.1% average for a league worst -12.4 scoring margin and a league-worst 76.5 points-allowed per game.

It all amounts to a Jekyl & Hyde looking team that wreaks havoc across the court, but gives up points out of its half-court defense and gives up a ton of rebounds on defense.


HOW TO BEAT THE HORNETS

On defense --  Keep Vinnie McGhee out of the key. Don’t allow the Hornets to get second-shot options via offensive boards. Take some charges. The Hornets are 0-18 when held to fewer than 70 points this year. The Hornets’ field goal percentage this year is at 40% (the Grizzlies field goal average is 48%). If the averages hold up, this game is Montana’s by halftime.

On offense -- Montana has a man-for-man size advantage over the Hornets at six of the top seven positions. The Griz truly match up well against Sac State in the low blocks and should be able to pound the ball down low to Andrew Strait and Kyle Sharp or Brian Qvale. But Montana’s size really shows a spread when Jordan Hasquet posts up because he may have as much of a four-inch height advantage over his defender. Depending upon whether Qvale starts, the Griz could have a +4-inch height advantage in the low blocks. That means the Hornets MUST double-up on Andrew Strait. If Montana can work its inside-outside game as it did against the Bobcats, the the Griz should put this game away early. If the Hornets succeed in doubling Strait and Hasquet and forcing turnovers, then Montana’s perimeter shooters will have to knock them down at their season-average +40 percentage ratio.

Individuals -- This will be a lab test for the Griz to get the ball to Andrew. If he gets ithe entry passes on the baseline, he’ll score. Twenty-plus points from Andrew and the Griz will have a good chance. Jordan Hasquet could simply post up high in the paint and have an advantage on the Griz Hi-lo offense. With all due respect to a speedy recovery from an ankle injury by Qvale, this would be a perfect-opportunity for Sharp to log a second-strait dominating performance. If he does, it’ll pay huge dividends for the Grizzlies down the road.

Finally: With Montana’s increasing improvement on spreading the ball around the court, this game could be a good opportunity for Montana coach Wayne Tinkle to get sophomore guard Cameron Rundles back into action to regain confidence. In an interview earier this week, Ceylon Elgin-Taylor called Rundles a “warrior,” and said the young soph would bounce back soon. The sooner the better. Montana will need Rundles' contributions come crunch time.

Health: Qvale is NOT practicing. Greg Spurgetis’ broken hand has healed and he is ok’d to play with a light hand-brace. Several players are banged-up (Rundles, knee; Martin, shoulder; Elgin-Taylor, deep leg bruise; Qvale, ankle; Spurgetis, hand). The Griz-Cat game was a war.

Montana State at Montana, Feb. 9

PREVIEW: Prior to Montana State’s 74-58 win over the Griz in the first league contest of the year, the Bobcats were riding the wave of an impressive pre-season – led by senior Carlos Taylor and anchored by senior Casey Durham’s solid floor leadership and surprising depth at several positions.

The Bobcats weren’t able to take advantage of that first win and, after a couple of setbacks, have pared-down playing time for several bench players. Over the past several games, Durham and Taylor, who’s turned into a legit Big Sky MVP-candidate, have consistently logged a minimum of 32 minutes per contest, with a rotating core of seven players who’ve contributed.

Center Divalado Mbgunga continues as the second-leading Cat scorer (12.0 ppg). No other player averages close to Durham’s third-ranked 9.1 ppg. average, even though fowrard Branden Johnson has played well of late. Super frosh Bobby Howard has seen fewer minutes lately, as has Mecklin Davis.

From my perspective, that has made the MSU Bobcats considerably more vulnerable than they were earlier in the season. A balanced Montana attack should have success upon a team that relies heavily on two players for production and leadership. We’ll see.

You can read my complete updated MSU-UM scouting report here:

THE GAME: University of Montana, at Montana State, Sat., Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
Game time is 7:05 p.m., with radio coverage provided by KGVO and announcer Mick Holien. Those with PCs and Internet access can view a video stream of the game from Big Sky Television (www.bigskytv.org) for a fee.

RECORDS: The Montana State Bobcats are 13-8, 5-4, with WINS over Long Beach State (74-56), Boise State (86-84), Alcorn State (83-57), Pepperdine (95-89), Wyoming (79-72), Great Falls (80-48), Evergreen State (92-56), Oregon State (60-59), Montana (74-58), Idaho State (74-53), at Northern Colorado (70-67), Eastern Washington (74-69) and at Eastern Washington (64-57). The Cats’ LOSSES have been to UNLV (76-65), Fresno State (86-74), UC Santa Barbara (76-61), Nevada (82-76), and Arizona State (66-62), at Sac State (78-77), at Northern Arizona (78-58), at Weber State (78-76), and at Portland State (96-85).

Montana takes a 10-12, 4-5 record into the game with LOSSES to Gonzaga, Washington State, Cal State Fullerton (2), Portland, Pacific, Santa Clara, MSU (74-58), Northern Arizona (72-64), Idaho State (56-54). Weber State (68-67) and at Portland State (70-68).The Grizzlies have WINS over Colorado State (75-39), Montana State Northern (72-47), South Dakota State (70-61), Air Force (59-57), Mississippi Valley State (69-62), Montana Tech (91-36), at Sacramento State (76-69), Eastern Washington (80-61), at Northern Colorado (71-60), and at Eastern Washington (59-57).

THE COACH: Missoula native, Brad Huse, a graduate of Big Sky H.S., is in his second season, having previously served for two years as an assistant coach to Larry Krystkowiak at Montana. Huse is Montana State’s 21st head coach, and currently sports a 23-27 record at MSU. As head coach at NAIA level Jamestown for eight years, Huse built an impressive 184-60 record and was named three-time conference coach of the year, winning league titles in five of his eight years as head coach.

HISTORY: Montana State leads this historic college basketball series, 142-131, after the Cats 14-point win in Bozeman in the teams’ first meeting of this season.

PERSONNEL: Point guard Casey Durham leads the team on the floor, is shooting 44% from three-point range (47-109), and averages 9.1 points per game. The Bobcats are led in scoring by senior off-guard Carlos Taylor (18.7 ppg.), a slasher with a quick pull-up jumper. Transfer forward Divaldo Mbgunga is a steady contributor in the MSU front court and averages 12.0 points per game. But it’s Mbgunga’s defense and rebounding (6.3 pg) that has made the difference. Frosh Bobby Howard of Great Falls has not seen as much playing time recently, giving way to 6-8 soph Branden Johnson, who’s had three quality games in the past two weeks.

THE TEAM: Like several Big Sky teams this year, the Bobcats rely heavily upon one or two players (Carlos Taylor and Casey Durham), are NOT a well-balanced team and are vulnerable against opposing team balance. The Bobcats have succeeded because they’ve gotten consistent 20-point games out of Taylor and then played acceptable “hunker-down” defense. I don’t think MSU can withstand a balanced inside-outside scoring attack (which, in this case MUST start from the perimeter).

THE MATCHUP: A Cat win will give MSU a decided advantage to potentially host a first-round playoff game. A Griz win will give the teams identical 5-5 conference records... not really a bad scenario, since the teams will have identical favorable   schedules (four at home and two road) from here on out and stand to move up in the standings if they can take advantage of the home court games.

Montana’s primary task will be to keep Bobcat guard Carlos Taylor in check, prevent him from penetrating and collapsing the Montana defense, and hold him  at least a few points below his 18.9-point-plus average. It’s equally important to keep Durham on the perimeter to prevent him from collapsing the Griz defense and kicking out to Taylor.

The Griz need to both rebound well and score from the perimeter against the Cats. If Montana can score EARLY from the perimeter and LATE in the low blocks. Andrew Strait, Jordan Hasquet, Kyle Sharp and Brizn Qvale (if he can play) will give the Griz a significant top-to-bottom size/bulk edge in the front court and will need to produce points down the stretch.

HOW TO BEAT THE CATS: I wrote this prior to the first match between the teams and I believe the Cats weakness of two years and one year past are still exploitable: defensive pressure against Casey Durham and Carlos Taylor can produce turnovers and distinct advantages in the transition game.

If Taylor can be contained (which Montana did NOT do in Bozeman), the Grizzlies can win. MSU relies heavily on leadership and production from Taylor and Durham and have struggled when either senior has an off night.

If Montana can stretch the Bobcat defense EARLY with solid long range shooting, the Bobcats can be beaten.

That means that a BALANCED Montana scoring attack is the best way to dominate the Cats. A reasonably efficient inside-outside passing game with Ryan Staudacher, Matt Martin, Jordan Hasquet knocking down some threes early will open up the inside. If the Griz do that, they should match-up well against the Cats. MSU is a team the Griz should dominate inside. But they won’t succeed unless they can force the Cats to expand their defense to cover the outside shooting game. The Cats are a team the Grizzlies should be able to defeat easily with an inside-outside game that starts from the perimeter. Of course, there’s considerable angst in Missoula, because the Grizzlies have NOT been played well on their own court. Well, they no longer have any excuses. If the Griz don’t start winning at home, starting tonight, it’ll be a long and dreary post-season.

Finally: The game might hinge on how successful Montana is producing offense from its big guys late in the game. Outside long-range shooting success should then allow Elgin-Taylor and Martin do penetrate the key and dish to Strait, Sharp and Qvale.

HEALTH: Brian Qvale reportedly has a severely sprained ankle. Don’t count on the big guy tonight. That means that Kyle Sharp must step up, which he can certainly do (as he proved against Eastern Washington).

 

Game time is 2:05 p.m., with radio coverage provided by KGVO and announcer Mick Holien. TV -- The game will be broadcast on Altitude Sports, which can be found at: Channel 59 on Bresnan Cable, Channel 410 on Dish Network, and Channel 644 on DirecTV. Fans with PCs and Internet access can view a video stream of the game from Big Sky Television (www.bigskytv.org) for a fee. THE GAME: Eastern Washington at University of Montana, at 7:05 p.m.

RECORDS: Eastern Washington is 8-15 (3-6). The Eagles got their first conference win of the season Jan 17 with a 91-85 win at Northern Colorado.
The Eagles have WINS against UC Riverside (59-51), Alaska-Anchorage (64-62), Univ. of Missouri at Kansas City (65-54), Cascade (91-59), Portland (84-75), Portland State (58-57), Sacramento State (76-52), and Northern Colorado (91-85). The Eagles have LOST to Washington State (68-41),  New Mexico (92-57), Washington (82-68), Virginia Tech (69-52), Michigan (61-53), Santa Clara (57-66),  Kansas (85-47), Idaho (58-49), UCSB (58-51), Northern Arizona (79-75), Idaho State (58-56), Weber State (74-64), and lost back-to-back games to Montana State, 74-69 in Bozeman Jan. 26, and 64-57 Jan. 31 in Cheney.

Montana takes a 9-12 (3-5) record into the game with losses to Gonzaga, Washington State, Cal State Fullerton (2), Portland, Pacific, Santa Clara, Montana State, Northern Arizona, Idaho State, Weber State and Portland State. The Grizzlies have beaten Colorado State (75-39), Montana State Northern (72-47), South Dakota State (70-61), Air Force (59-57), Mississippi Valley State (69-62), Montana Tech (91-36), Eastern Washington and Northern Colorado. Last Game: Lost 70-68 Jan. 31 at Portland State.


THE COACH: Kirk Earlywine was hired as the head coach at Eastern Washington in June and had the formidable task to rebuild the entire team after previous coach Mike Burns’ departure. Earlywine has paid his dues as a division 1 assistant, serving as an assistant to Rick Majerus at Ball State and Utah for six years before spending two years at Central Michigan and three at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Sandwiched into those stints was a one-year position at Division II Peiffer University, where his team was 21-8. Earlywine was head assistant to Joe Cravens at Weber State from 1999-2006, and -- after Cravens departed at WSU -- served as Benny Moss’ assistant at UNC Wilmington before getting the job at Eastern.

HISTORY: Montana leads the series 49-39. The Griz have a 35-15 record against the Eagles since they joined the Big Sky in the1983-84 season, and hold a 15-7 edge in Cheney, an 18-7 margin in Missoula, and are 2-0 against the Eagles in neutral-court post-season play.

PERSONNEL: Eastern features two of the Big Sky Conference's leading scorers in senior Kellen Williams (fifth, 13.3) and Adris DeLeon (seventh, 12.6). Williams is also third in rebounding (8.9), eighth in field goal shooting (.525), seventh in steals (1.15) and first in minutes played (36.0). DeLeon is sixth in assists (3.3) and eighth in free throw percentage (.765). Six-foot-8 freshman Milan Stanojevic is a pure shooter and leads the Big Sky with 51 three-pointers made (2.6 per game) and is seventh in steals (1.15).

With his eighth double-double against Northern Colorado on Jan. 17, Williams has led Eastern in rebounding in 19 of 20 games. Williams has also scored in double figures in 16 total games this season and has been EWU's leading scorer five times.

DeLeon appears to be coming into his own recently, having scored 42 points in the Eagles’ OT win at Northern Colorado. But the quick Eastern point guard was floored by the flu this week and didn’t play against the Bobcats on Thursday. Expect DeLeon to play Sunday, even though he may be a step or two slow.

THE TEAM: EWU appears to be a team of stark contrasts. The Eagles were picked to occupy a bottom rung in the Big Sky and finished non-conference with a 5-9 record. But the Eagles stunned Portland State in their first conference game and have played well since that win. At 3-3, the Eagles are in the thick of the fray. The Eagles reside near the bottom of the conference in most statistical categories, but -- behind the spirited leadership of juco transfer DeLeon -- have built an impressive +0.65 turnover margin and make a second-ranked eight 3-pointers per game. The Eagles are somewhat undersized, don’t have very impressive rebounding stats, shoot only 34 percent from three point range, have an unimpressive 40.4 field goal percentage overall, and have the second-lowest per-game scoring average at 62.9. But the Eagles have played tough in every conference game, and can be expected to continue that style of play.


HOW TO BEAT THE EAGLES:

On defense --  Slow down Ardis DeLeon. At 6’-4,” Kellen Williams has the profile of a wing, but is one of the best rebounders in the conference and is dangerous all over the floor. He scored the winning field goal against Portland State and Eagles want the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. But it may be more important for the Griz to neutralize DeLeon, who is an excellent ball handler (much like Dezmon Harris), penetrates the key very effectively, and is responsible for the assists that lead to getting Williams open and to Milan Stanojevic’s success from three-point range.

On offense -- The Eagles are a team with a profile similar to Idaho State. If the Griz get behind early the Eagles will be very difficult to beat. It’ll be critical that the Griz get the ball to Andrew Strait EARLY in the offense and -- when the Eagles collapse on Andrew just like every other Big Sky team has -- the big guy needs to get it to an open shooter. If the Eagles start collapsing on Montana’s inside game, it’ll be important for Ryan Staudacher, Cameron Rundles and Matt Martin to shoot. Right now I don’t care if the Griz perimeter players miss... I think they need to realize how important it its to keep shooting. If they do, the shots will start falling.

Individuals -- With each game he gets under his belt, Montana center Brian Qvale will play an increasingly critical role. Qvale presents serious matchup problems for the Eagles and if he can score early, it will also open things up for Andrew Strait. Certainly Montana fans have seen how Qvale changes games on defense. It won’t be long before he has the confidence and experience to do the same on offense. A a big plus from Brian: he’s tough (I don’t say that glibly). Montana’s season may hinge on the “appearance” of  a game-changer. I say Brian is the guy the Griz need to step up big in the paint.

Lastly -- After an excellent game at Portland State -- though he missed a critical shot that could have sent the game into overtime -- Ceylon Elgin-Taylor is the man the Griz need to lead them to victory. ET will have to continue to be willing to step up when the game is on the line. He had that opportunity during the final seconds of Montana’s loss to Portland State, but missed an open shot. So, shrug it off, ET... to get em. The more ET actively assumes control, the more open the Griz shooters will become. Take charge, ET!

HEALTH: Good.

 
MONTANA v.s Portland State, Feb. 9

THE GAME: University of Montana at Portland State.

Game time is 8:05 p.m., with radio coverage provided by KGVO and announcer Mick Holien. TV --  Fans with PCs and Internet access can view a video stream of the game from Big Sky Television (www.bigskytv.org) for a fee. Those who have macs, like me, are out of luck.

PHOTO: Montana guard  Cameron Rundles  looks to pass the ball to Andrew Strait in Montana's  80-61 win  over Eastern Washington last week.

RECORDS: Portland State is 8-11 (2-5). The Vikings are +1 in home/road splits with an impressive 10-point victory at Idaho State.

The VIKINGS are 11-8, 4-2, with WINS against IUPUI (75-73), Akron (66-63), Linfield (93-50), Portland (78-73), Utah Valley State (60-53 OY), Lewis and Clark (61-60), Cal Poly (74-66), Sacramento State (83-58), Northern Arizona (80-66), Idaho State (71-61), and Northern Colorado (85-83 OT). The Vikings have LOST to: UCLA (69-48), Colorado State (64-63), UC Davis (76-68), Washington State (72-60), Washington (84-65), Eastern Washington (58-57),  San Jose State (76-73 OT), and Weber State (73-68).

Montana takes an 8-11 (3-4) record into the game with losses to Gonzaga, Washington State, Cal State Fullerton (2), Portland, Pacific, Santa Clara, Montana State, Northern Arizona, Idaho State and Weber State. The Grizzlies have beaten Colorado State (75-39), Montana State Northern (72-47), South Dakota State (70-61), Air Force (59-57), Mississippi Valley State (69-62), Montana Tech (91-36), Eastern Washington 80-61, and on Jan. 26, won 71-60 at Northern Colorado.

The Grizzlies are looking for their third straight win and second straight road win.

THE COACH: Ken Bone has a record of 42-37 in his third year at Portland State University. The veteran coach, who served a major stint as head assistant at the University of Washington in between head coaching jobs at Seattle Pacific and Portland State, has a career record of 300-155 since his first head coaching position at Cal State Stanislaus in 1984-85. He registered a 253-97 (.723) record with the Falcons between 1990-2002. Bone’s SPU teams claimed six outright or shared Pacific West Conference championships and earned eight NCAA playoff appearances. During his three-year stint at Washington, the Huskies won a Pac 10 title and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. Bone is considered a quality recruiter, with a knack for recruiting transfers from major college programs.

HISTORY: Montana leads the series 21-20. The the two teams split games last year,  with Montana winning 80-74 in Portland and the Vikings winning 70-68 in Missoula.

PERSONNEL: Though the Vikings have talent and size in marquee seniors, center Scott Morrison (6’-11) and swingman Deonte Huff (6’-4”0), it’s been 5’-6” junior transfer point guard Jeremiah Dominguez who has been the key cog in Portland State’s success so far. Dominguez leads the Big Sky Conference in steals (2.00 per game), assist-to-turnover ratio (1.65) and ranks third in assists (3.94 per game). He also paces the Vikings in scoring with a 12.1 per-game average. Dominguez is a slasher who creates havoc when he penetrates into the key. Morrison and Huff are the key benefactors of Dominguez’ penetrate and kick style. On defense, Dominguez’ ability to either stop his opponents’ dribble and/or steal the ball has prevented taller guards from posting up on him.

Huff is another slasher who, at wing, creates his own offense with quick dribble-enter moves to the bucket. If denied, Huff can quickly alternate to a very athletic pull-up jumper high in the key that’s hard to defend, which creates free throw opportunities (73) that he converts at an excellent .740 percentage. Huff leads the Vikings in rebounding (5.8) and ranks second in scoring (11.9), assists (41) and steals (21)

Morrison, picked by many in preseason as a contender for Big Sky MVP, is the Vikings’ third-leading scorer with a 10.4 per game average, which has slipped to 9.8 ppg in conference play. He averages 5.8 rebounds per game, but is ranked a Big Sky second in blocked shots with 22 (1.22 pg), trailing only Montana’s Brian Qvale (28, 1.47 pg). Thursday’s game might be an interesting matchup between the Big Sky’s two big men, one a four-year starter and the other getting just his fourth start.

Andre Murray, the Vikings’ 6’-2” shooting guard, has played an important role in the Vikings conference play, scoring at a 12.3 ppg average in conference, up significantly from pre-season games. Murray has supplanted last year’s starter, Dupree Lucas, though the two play a relatively even number of minutes per game.

THE TEAM: The Vikings’ starting lineup was fluid through pre-season, and that’s created good team depth. In conference play, Bone stuck primarily with a starting five that includes: SR C Scott Morrison (6’-11”), SO F Kyle Coston (6’-8”), SR G Deonte Huff (6’-4”), JR G Andre Murray (6’-2”) and JR G Jeremiah Dominguez (5’-8”). Key players off the bench are senior guard Dupree Lucas (who is reportedly injured and may not play), and 6’-9” forward/wng Alex Tiefenthaler.

HOW TO BEAT THE VIKINGS:

On defense --  Stop Jerimiah Dominguez. The Vikings love to play an uptempo game that begins with Dominguez attempting to dribble-enter into the key or all the way for a layup. If he’s fronted, he’ll quickly kick a pass to the wings, where Huff will often immediately drive to the bucket,  or any number of wing players will launch a three from the baseline. The Vikings, however, are a disciplined team and Dominguez has learned when and how to get the Vikings quickly into half court offense. Montana’s objective should be to front Dominguez and force the Vikings to play a half court game.
If Montana’s guards can keep  the Vikings on the perimeter they stand a chance. If not, it’ll be a blowout a la PSU’s win over Northern Arizona. This game might be Montana guard Ceylon Elgin-Taylor’s biggest defensive challenge. The Vikings present a huge challenge to Montana’s defense. It could be a game of swings and surges. But the Grizzlies will be out of this game early if they don’t stop the Vikings early O.

On Offense -- Don’t get into a running game with the Vikings. Although Portland State has more size on the front court than most Big Sky teams, I think the Grizzlies can create a productive inside-outside game with power forward Andrew Strait as the first option, and freshman center Brian Qvale as the second option at the high post. Montana also will have a significant size advantage at wing. This would be a perfect night for Jordan Hasquet to ignite things from the perimeter. Lastly, the Griz can have success running a guard post play for whoever Dominguez is guarding. The Griz ran a guard low-post option for Ryan Staudacher earlier in the year that worked. This would be a good game to dust that play off and run it.

Individuals -- This might be a fascinating game between the league’s two big men in Morrison and Qvale. If Brian can keep out of foul trouble, I think the Griz have a chance. This will also be the perfect game for Ceylon Elgin-Taylor to shoot the jumpers over the much smaller Dominguez. If he, or any other Montana guard can score over Dominguez, it’ll be a significant Montana advantage.

HEALTH: No reported injuries or illness.