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1) We really don't see teams from Montana that often, if ever. What are some things about the Grizzlies that you think Duquense fans should know? When was the last time you hosted a team from out east in a conference like the A10 or CAA?
[UM has never played Duquense. Don't recall when UM may have hosted or played A10 or CAA hoops teams, but we compete against the CAA in football, and have played home and home football games and competed in the playoffs.]
2) Everyone has their journey for the season. How did you guys get here? After the loss in the Big Sky Title game, are the fans excited for a little more basketball?
[UM had to replace the majority of its team from last year, when we made the ncaa tourney and competed fairly well against New Mexico. Except the senior center Qvale, the team is fairly young, true frosh and JC transfers. Yes, fans are excited for more basketball, but a bit disappointed we didn't make the ncaa tourney or get an NIT bid. We lost our last game of the season, and as a result the right to host the conference tourney, and lost a close game in the conference championship.]
3) Duquesne plays a high speed style that is focused on turning opponents over and getting baskets in transition. Based on your size, record, and stats, it seems that the Grizzlies look to play a methodical game based on a solid half court offense. Your relatively low PPG but high shooting percentages underscore that. What do you expect the play style to look like in this game?
[Nope, not quite right. While UM likes to pound the ball inside to the bigs, it also likes to attack in transition. The point guard, Cherry, is very athletic, a good ball handler, and can take it to the hoop and finish. UM usually has good shot selection. UM plays very good defense, both zone and man. I assume will keep doing what it's been doing, on both O and D. While I haven't seen you play, I assume our bigs will be able to score against you.]
4) Neither team has shot well from the foul line this year. Certainly it has cost the Dukes a few games; 5 or 6 strategically placed points and the Dukes could be 22-8 right now. Where has it hurt Montana the most?
[UM has been hurt most by inconsistency, altho that improved over the season. UM was also hurt mid-season by an injury to the point guard for a handful of games, and other injuries. Free throw shooting has improved as the season has progressed, but can still be inconsistent. Inconsistent shooting of 3's has also been a problem.]
5) Most teams have a guy that could score 4 points one night then go off for 24 the next. BJ Montiero was one last year for the Dukes, though has found consistency this year. Who is a guy on your team who could go off in such a way (beyond your players who average in double figures)?
[Ward, a back-up post. Perhaps Woods, a back-up shooting guard, but he hasn't yet gotten off this year.]
6) Earlier you played UCLA and won at their place. (a) What were the keys to how you won there, and (b) What did your team learn?
[We played well, our bigs ate up UCLA, and our point guard was better than UCLA's, at least that night. We also beat Oregon St at home. We lost several close games against pretty good teams, and that was generally because we weren't consistent for the whole game.]
7) TJ McConnell has been a big part of the Dukes this year, sliding into a starting role as a freshman and winning Conference ROY. The Grizzlies' Kareem Jamar seems to have had a positive presence for your team, averaging 7.5 PPG and just under 5 RPG. How much has it meant for you to have a freshman who can come in and play meaningful minutes right away?
[Jamar was a starter before being injured. He's a very good player. His injury and recovery, where he wasn't getting many minutes, has skewed down his stats. He's a talent. He committed early, and then started getting Pac-10 interest, but stayed with his committment.]
8) One team must leave disappointed. Who will it be and what will the final score be?
