JALMOND said:
GoldenEagle said:
As for the EAGS they played the vandals without two starters and blew an early lead to a good team. The two best teams in the BSC played in Cheney last night.
I must say I do agree with your assessment. Had we had a healthy Orme and Hollins, the game may have turned out differently. That said (and having watched EWU and Idaho last week), I'd have to disagree with your statement. The two best teams in the conference played today in Portland.
The conference season is about 1/3 done. A lot can change between now and the end of conference season. Got to admit though, being 2 games up only 6 games in, is encouraging and impressive. I watched the EWU/Idaho game Friday night. Sorry, but EWU isn't among the top 5 teams in the conference so far this season.
As for the GRIZ, I expected them to be in the running for the conference title this season. However, I didn't expect them to be 6-0 to start conference play. I was expecting road splits and a 4-2 record at this stage.
Right now, my top 5 are: Montana, PSU, Montana State, Weber State, Idaho, the rest is a roll of the dice. So far, the GRIZ are the only consistent team in the conference, and still have things to improve on. They deserve credit for taking advantage of their opportunities and being mentally tough to get through 2 difficult road trips, so far. To date, PSU is the only team the GRIZ have played that I can honestly say "I don't want to play, again." Their style of play is so difficult to prepare for and play against. The GRIZ still have a very difficult North Dakota/UNC road trip in terms of miles and challenges. The EWU/Idaho trip is looking to be tough too.
Despite the terrific start, I am trying hard to not get overly excited. Conference play has proven to be difficult throughout the years. I also wonder how long the GRIZ, or any conference team, can keep up the level of play the GRIZ have played so far? The GRIZ still have 12 games to play. Every year, I expect a few slip ups, here and there. At worse, I see the GRIZ going 12-6. At best, 16-2. Realistically, I see the GRIZ at 14-4 for conference play. With that said, I hope DeCuire does challenge the boys to sweep conference play (yes, I know it will be difficult and not likely). That is what it would take to get notice from the NCAA Tournament committee, even then I am sure the NCAA would manage to screw someone in our conference. A few years ago, both the GRIZ and Weber State were good enough to possibly have 2 teams in the dance. However, it didn't happen!!! That is just the way it is in this conference, and it sucks.
If I were coaching against the GRIZ, I absolutely would pack it defensively. I'd challenge the GRIZ to consistently hit the 3. Packing it in minimizes Akoh, offensive rebounding, and minimizes what Oguine and Rorie do best (penetrating). I'd want the GRIZ to shoot 20+ 3's and take my chances. Yes, the GRIZ have improved their 3%, but they still need to prove they can do it when forced to take a lot of 3's. If they can prove to hit the 3 consistently with more attempts, then look out Big Sky!
Nonetheless, great start for the GRIZ, way to go. #gogriz.