Other observations from last night.

[BWahlberg]

Leadership, last night Rundles and Ellis had the team rallying around them. You could see them talking to guys in the huddles during time outs and keeping other players motivated throughout the game. Matt Martin did the same as well, he would be the first off the bench to high five players and would take part in discussions and talk to individual players as well. Ellis stayed a part of everything and did not stand off to the side during any time out, if he was playing or on the bench.

It was also great to see Stu and Chav-e hustle their butts off and also lead by example last night. Mike got his butt kicked underneath, he was hit a lot and knocked down hard a few times on D, but he'd jump back up and keep hustling.

A very exciting and ecouraging win, and also keep in mind, they were in a "funk" for roughly 8:00 in the 2nd, so they did not even put together a complete game. If they can play good defense like they did and hustle their butts off in Ogden they will win out down there.

I liked the defensive line of Ellis, Rundles, Mayes, Chavez and Strait. It provided 3 good outside shooters, two great rebounders, one rock solid post player and 4 of them are fast and relentless on D.

Staudacher did provide a good defensive spark, he kept Abdul contained, as best he could. Also gave Rundles a breather.

Matt Martin got chewed by Tinks after taking a quick 3 pointer which led to an ISU rebound and quick pass setting up an ISU 3 that gave them the 14 point lead. Tinks ripped into him, you could tell he was very frustrated. Martin did come back from that and dropped a key three pointer as the Griz started closing the gap.

Hopefully Hasquet can rest up and get better before the tourney starts, the Griz could really use his rebounding and outside shooting.

Props to Tinks for not going crazy subbing guys in and out, Ellis, Rundles, Mayes, Chavez and Strait played roughly the last 3:00 of regulation and all of overtime. He recognized that they were synch-ing well together and didn't break them up.

After the game talking to my dad he said that this year he's noticed that Strait is not playing like he did last year. In the sense that when he gets the ball many times he doesn't drive to the hoop and put up the shot. Now he's trying to work around guys and look for a pass or an open shot. We both agreed that if Andrew maybe went back to driving the lane hard and putting up more shots (and drawing fouls) he'd have more success in the paint.

And finally there were some ISU fans that thought it was fun to chant "DUI" and "Alcoholic" when Chavez was shooting free throws. It didn't bother him though, he nailed those free throws and went on to lead the team in scoring to the win. Great job Mike!

 

[mtgrizrule]

All great points which I agree with. My brother and I have noticed the same regarding Strait. We think his struggles from the FT line are playing big time into him shying away from drawing fouls. I hope in the offseason he shoots FT after FT and finds a stroke again. If he ever finds that again, look out BSC.

On the defensive side of the ball the last few games, it seems like he has been much more of a paint presence. It seems like he is going for the block more often or at the very least positively impacting the paint Defense.

 

[ewok33]

The defensive intensity they had during there comeback was huge. Chavez, Mayes, and Ellis especially turned it up. Mayes and Chavez were huge in the overtime as well. It was great to see Mike step up when he had an opportunity, with Hasquet being down and out. I really like the way Brian Ellis handles himself, when he's playing "D" on a guy that talks alot. Ah-had chatted at him every time he made a shot. Ellis just locked down, and in the end was key to getting the victory. BE also hit a couple threes that were huge. If he shows some consistency there, that makes us all the better. The crowd was wild during the comeback. When Chavez hit the first three to start the thing, it was crazy. ISU coach called a very smart time out, to quiet the crowd, but the "D" got a huge stop, and started it all over again. That is one of the funnest games I've ever been too.

 

[williamspo]

I thought that the 4 students (who wore no shirts but were painted maroon with GRIZ painted in silver on their chests) set the tone for the crowd. It was hard to not get into it when they went to that much effort.

I would have appreciated I and Z not flipping off the ISU fans and team when them came onto the floor for the first half. We are classier than that.

From where I sit, I loved having the band in the opposite corner. That allowed more crazies to sit together behind the NEZ basket.

I also liked to be able to carry on a conversation with my neighbors without being totally overwhelmed by the band. I suppose folks down by the band felt the opposite.

Loved the way the students got "Montana" "Grizzlies" cheer going between the North and South ends. I have never seen that before. Great job fans.

 

[AtHomeInTheDahlbergDen]

The crowd was definitely rowdy. While waiting to go in i poked fun at this kid in a yankees and 10 seconds later he wanted to fight me. Yankees fans are the ONLY ones who are like this. This is the second time this year someone has freaked out after a lighthearted jab. Ah... "Somewhere in New York there's a 5 year old wondering if the Yankees will win a World Series in his lifetime."

 

[mtgrizrule]

I thought that the 4 students (who wore no shirts but were painted maroon with GRIZ painted in silver on their chests) set the tone for the crowd. It was hard to not get into it when they went to that much effort.

I would have appreciated I and Z not flipping off the ISU fans and team when them came onto the floor for the first half. We are classier than that.

From where I sit, I loved having the band in the opposite corner. That allowed more crazies to sit together behind the NEZ basket.

I also liked to be able to carry on a conversation with my neighbors without being totally overwhelmed by the band. I suppose folks down by the band felt the opposite.

Loved the way the students got "Montana" "Grizzlies" cheer going between the North and South ends. I have never seen that before. Great job fans.

Tinkle commented on his radio show how great it was to see students painted, and took his time to thank them.. He is hoping that is sign of things to come from the students. I found that 100% class from Tinkle. Note: No need to flip off the opposing players, that takes a away from the efforts. Thank you though, I too appreciated their efforts, keep it up students. :thumb:

As for Athome's comment about NY, he could not be any more right about Yankee fans. However, that 5 year old should be concerned about them winning a World Series in his/her lifetime. Living in NY considerably decreases ones average life span :thumb: :laugh: