grizzlyjournal
Well-known member
Supported by statistics, tonight's 77-69 Griz win over SDSU hints at some very positive things for Griz hoops this year and going forward:
• In just the second game of this young season, Kareem Jamar notches a double double with 23 points and 12 rebounds... and dishes 8 assists, two short of earning a triple double. The Jackrabbits couldn't stop Kareem, but decided to keep him from penetrating. At which point Kareem sinks crucial second-half treys (three very long treys) where he was 3-for-6, to boost the Griz. Combine Kareem's points (23) with points off of assists & he's directly connected to at least 39 Griz points on offense (not counting treys).
• Congratulations Eric Hutchison! I've talked with Hutch several times over the past few years & there's no one who bleeds Griz hoops more than Hutch. It was great to see a break out game from him: 11 points, 5-for-5 from the free throw line, and some iron tough defense in the key down the stretch. After he scored his first bucket, he seemed to relax, catch the ball, and go big to the bucket. A good sign for the Griz.
• Kids rising: Astounding early season performances from freshmen Mario Dunn, Brandon Gfeller and Jack Lopez, who were crucial in second half play. Each made typical frosh mistakes on defense, but played aggressive, confident basketball throughout. Gfeller? merely 4-for-5 from three point range. Dunn? Confident, capable ball-handling and 2-for-3 from the field. Lopez: Critical 2nd half minutes on D and a timely 25-ft set shot (on an assist from Kareem) during Montana's second half run. With contributions from these young players so early, it is a solid sign of exceptional back court depth.
• Michael Weisner drew the toughest defensive assignment again, but played big, aggresssive defense throughout. Plus, his late trey (on another assist from Kareem) stemmed a mini Jackrabbit run.
• Defensive intensity: Though they were probably lucky that SDSU shot poorly during the opening minutes of the game, Montana recovered with aggressive combo defense, holding the Jackrabits to 43% shooting from the field (25-58) while shooting a nifty 57 percent, most of that in the second half.
• Lastly, Keron DeShields had perhaps his best all-around game as a Griz, scoring 12 points (4-10/3-4), but dishing four assists (according to Tom Schultz) and grabbing 4 boards. If Keron can show steady improvement at point, things could improve very quickly for Montana.
Overall, 15 assists from Montana (compared to 9 for SDSU) to only 9 turnovers. The Griz took care of the ball well.
An early road win, with a week to tune things up for San Francisco (Next Saturday) put them ahead of most pre-season evaluations already. Go griz.
• In just the second game of this young season, Kareem Jamar notches a double double with 23 points and 12 rebounds... and dishes 8 assists, two short of earning a triple double. The Jackrabbits couldn't stop Kareem, but decided to keep him from penetrating. At which point Kareem sinks crucial second-half treys (three very long treys) where he was 3-for-6, to boost the Griz. Combine Kareem's points (23) with points off of assists & he's directly connected to at least 39 Griz points on offense (not counting treys).
• Congratulations Eric Hutchison! I've talked with Hutch several times over the past few years & there's no one who bleeds Griz hoops more than Hutch. It was great to see a break out game from him: 11 points, 5-for-5 from the free throw line, and some iron tough defense in the key down the stretch. After he scored his first bucket, he seemed to relax, catch the ball, and go big to the bucket. A good sign for the Griz.
• Kids rising: Astounding early season performances from freshmen Mario Dunn, Brandon Gfeller and Jack Lopez, who were crucial in second half play. Each made typical frosh mistakes on defense, but played aggressive, confident basketball throughout. Gfeller? merely 4-for-5 from three point range. Dunn? Confident, capable ball-handling and 2-for-3 from the field. Lopez: Critical 2nd half minutes on D and a timely 25-ft set shot (on an assist from Kareem) during Montana's second half run. With contributions from these young players so early, it is a solid sign of exceptional back court depth.
• Michael Weisner drew the toughest defensive assignment again, but played big, aggresssive defense throughout. Plus, his late trey (on another assist from Kareem) stemmed a mini Jackrabbit run.
• Defensive intensity: Though they were probably lucky that SDSU shot poorly during the opening minutes of the game, Montana recovered with aggressive combo defense, holding the Jackrabits to 43% shooting from the field (25-58) while shooting a nifty 57 percent, most of that in the second half.
• Lastly, Keron DeShields had perhaps his best all-around game as a Griz, scoring 12 points (4-10/3-4), but dishing four assists (according to Tom Schultz) and grabbing 4 boards. If Keron can show steady improvement at point, things could improve very quickly for Montana.
Overall, 15 assists from Montana (compared to 9 for SDSU) to only 9 turnovers. The Griz took care of the ball well.
An early road win, with a week to tune things up for San Francisco (Next Saturday) put them ahead of most pre-season evaluations already. Go griz.
