The Griz outplayed SD the majority of the game, even though burdened with not having key players in the positions that the team has been building around. With two very key players missing, the team was not just playing SD, it was adjusting to "big" last minute changes in the lineup.
Breunig is obviously a key to this year's strategy, and DeCuire is building around him. I think what this team would have looked like the past two years if Tinks had had Breunig in the lineup. Breunig is the answer for what Hutch was unable to do. Breunig will add 15 points per game to that position over Hutch. I continue to think that there was a place in there for Andy Martin, but, oh well. The kid obviously had the height and the skills, just needed more weight and voltage. I do think that was coachable.
Weisner is proving to be a much more valuable asset, offense and defense, than I thought he could be. This is a young man who has really stepped up his game and his intensity.
Missing those two for a game reflects not at all on the coach or the team, but the breaks. On the other hand, Krslovic was able to step up a bit more than I have given him credit for. His posture and his frequently open mouth makes him look like he is just about "gassed" all of the time, and maybe he is, but he seems to be able to turn in consistent play even after a goodly amount of time on the court.
Gregory appears to have returned to his usual formidable play and enthusiasm. UM lost the game in the last five minutes, and I cannot help but think it was a tired team that had controlled the game for the most part until then, despite its profound temporary handicaps. Gfeller, Kemp, and Dunn are making solid plays, but haven't quite "caught the groove" yet. Riley Bradshaw is probably the third best 3-point shooter on the team in practices, and put a couple of beauties in against SD, but oh man, you just can't miss as many as he did. On the other hand, if competitive play shooting is going to improve him, that's what he needs to be doing. DeCuire obviously thinks he can, and if the gamble proves out Montana will have a formidable 3 point offense.
I do think there can be no doubt that with Breunig and Weisner, SD would have been soundly beaten. No question whatsoever.
Didn't like the loss, but I saw no concerns about the coach or the team playing well in the future.