MissoulaMarinerFan said:
If the ladies could get a little more consistent from game to game, I think their improvement would be more obvious. Passing the injury bug all around the team the last 3 years doesn't help with building consistency either. I can't figure this team out. Beat Idaho. Followed by only scoring 34 at Idaho State. Followed by beating a Weber team who had just given MSU hell in Bozeman.
The loss vs. ISU must be quantified! Yes, Montana shot poorly and committed too many turnovers. However, Montana's defense was gritty and D alone kept them within striking distance of the Bengals until early in the fourth quarter. For example: Montana trailed ISU by 1 (9-8) after one quarter, by 3 (21-18) after two quarters, and by only 7 (33-24) after three quarters. The blowout came late, midway through the 4th quarter.
In comparison, the ISU-MSU (61-43) game played out in
almost identical fashion, with the Bengals blowing past the Cats by a 15-5 tally in the fourth quarter, though the Cats were out of it early in the third quarter. I'm not certain it's Montana inconsistency as much as that the Bengals are a good defensive team, especially in Pocatello.
No doubt, Montana needs more consistent scoring, particularly from the rim. The turnovers came from ISU's clampdown of Jace Henderson. Otherwise, Montana played a sound fundamental game, especially on defense, and was within striking distance into the fourth quarter.
Depending upon team health (fingers crossed) I believe Montana is in position for a top-5 finish in the Big Sky this season.