What a comeback. At halftime, Selvig must have told the team to start pounding it into the paint--as that's what UM did from the get-go in the 2d half. UM started to move closer right away, but UNC fought back each time. Then, the Lady Griz started chipping away, slowly but surely, and went on a very long sustained spurt and comeback, with tough defense, smart play, good rebounding, and post scoring.
UM didn't make a 3. 0-10, but not many taken in the 2d half (3). Improved 26% first half shooting to 41% overall. 19 offensive rebounds. Wow. 38 rebounds in total. The crowd was good all game and loud. When the comeback got rolling, the crowd was awesome. Most people on their feet for defense. Loud, screaming, stomping. Eventually, you could see UNC tightening up, making mistakes, and missing more shots and eventually almost all shots. UM cleaned up almost all of UNC's misses. Strange, the co-MVP, who is a good player and had played very well, started missing, pressing and eventually missed a bunch of free throws (3 in a row).
Aided by the crowd, the defense seemed to pick up steam as the comeback went on. None of the players showed any signs of tiring, and there wasn't much subbing. Mostly 6, and maybe 7 players, in the 2d half. Rickman (20) and Valley (14) were great and on the boards. Selvig played a very good game. Rubel (14 and 40 minutes) was terrific. Everyone else was also good. Guards rebounded well too.
UM shot very poorly in first half, and had 6 turnovers in about the first 6 minutes (mostly steals by UNC). 7 for the half. Only 2 TO in second half.
About 20 former Lady Griz at the game.
2027 Montana Recruiting (14) Verbals & (34) Offers (2) 2028 Offers