Griz 80, Eastern Michigan 68

[TrueGriz]

Griz looked good today, shot 45.9% from the field, made 16 - 21 (76.2%) from the free throw line (great improvement from them this game), and turned the ball over only 10 times.

Matt Martin played 30 minutes, and turned the ball over just once, while scoring 14 points. The 30th minute, he sprained his ankle and it looks like he could miss 1 or 2 games, possibly 3. All depends on the severity of the sprain.

Kevin Criswell scored 21 points. John Seyfert had a very good game today, scoring 10 points, and getting 9 rebounds. He could be one of the most improved players now. From being what I called a waste of a scholarship around 3 weeks ago to someone who is starting to be quite productive lately. Good job John Seyfert.

One of the benefits of Kamar Davis going down was getting more minutes from Andrew Strait. Strait scored 13 points, and pulled down 7 rebounds. He does need to work on the free throw shooting.

One more non-conference tune-up game for the Griz when they play Rocky Mountain College at 2pm on Sunday January 2nd. I hate sunday afternoon games. Skiing is starting to be more attractive then watching a game against a lower division team at this point.

Attendance for today's game was average for the Griz with 2,903 (mostly no shows, looked closer to 1,500 and that could be overstating it). It seemed to be quite subdued (being more of a spectator) even though the Griz did win, and played decently. Contrast this with the Lady Griz whom average over 3,200 fans and are much louder (understatement), there is still quite a ways to go for the mens team to gain more interest in the Griz BB team.

 

[GrizWhiz]

A nice job by the GRIZ against a quality team. They had good intensity and answered Eastern's runs before things got too tight. I thought Matthews did a nice job at the point in relief of Martin and after Martin got hurt. I also think that down the road, Martin and Strait (both true freshman) will earn all-league status.

 

[Marooned]

Yes, much better focus on defense tonight. Guys are helping-out each other and not giving-up so many offensive boards. Good hustle too (would Larry have it any other way?) I'm really concerned about Martin's injury. He's such a scrapper ... to see him roll around on the floor like that ... I fear that it could be something serious. It looked like he was still hurting as he left the floor on crutches after the game.

 

[Sweetwyne]

This has to be the best game the Griz have played but we could look back at it as an unfortunate turn in the year.

I am talking about the injury to Martin. If it is at all seroius that will be a big factor for the Griz. I thought that up until he was hurt that Martin was the best player for the Griz. Whenever EMU made run in the second half he would hit a baseline jumper.

I am very concerned about the play at the point now.

I hope that Virgil Matthews can be adequate because Brian Lynch sure as hell wont get us through the conference year. No offense MontHoops but that guy is overmatched at this level.

 

[Marooned]

It's true, Martin is REALLY starting to find his range beyond the arc. But just as impressive is the number of points he's scoring from the paint (at least 6 pts last night, from my unofficial count). His release is so quick, and it looks like the opposing bigs don't really think he'll try to shoot it from there.

Yes, MM is developing nicely, and I think a lot of credit needs to go to Larry for 1) identifying his talent, 2) nurturing his freshman psyche, and 3) sticking with him through the early turnovers. It's fun to see the creation of a true point guard before our very eyes.

 

[Explosive 1]

I wouldn't call a player that looks for his own shot first a true point guard. He's a great scoring threat, so I'd call him a perfect scoring point guard.

 

[Montana Gym Rat]

I agree with Explosive. He looks great when those shots fall for him. Not taking anything away from Martin, I think he's a good player. But I don't think he should be forcing pull up jumpers over guys who have 6" on him.

I hope he doesn't play on Sunday just so he can get another copule days of rest on that ankle. We definitely need him for conference.