Razorback defense stifles Grizzlies

Saturday, November 16

Fayetteville, Ark

3 PM (MT)

Montana

1-2

Arkansas

3-0

Montana

Arkansas

Photo by: Craven Whitlow

11/16/2019 5:56:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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By: Montana Sports Information

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas entered Saturday with the nation's third-leading defense and the Razorbacks were as good as advertised, holding Montana to 46 points on 32.1 percent shooting in a 64-46 victory over the Grizzlies Saturday afternoon.

While Montana's offense was stifled by Arkansas' defense, the Griz D held its own, holding Arkansas to 15 points and more than 13 percent below its season scoring and shooting averages.

The Grizzlies never led, but Montana held its own in the opening half. The Grizzlies were within a single possession for much of the half, including a 14-13 score with under 9 minutes to play.

Every time Montana got within a possession, though, it couldn't capitalize afterward.

Montana had the ball trailing by a possession 20 times in the first half, but shot 4-for-14 with six turnovers during those possessions, never being able to fully capitalize, especially after the Grizzlies held Arkansas without a made field goal for over 4 minutes.

After keeping it close through 12 minutes, Arkansas went on a 17-5 run over the final 8 minutes of the half to take a 31-18 lead into the locker room. The Grizzlies worked their way back to single digits, trailing 41-33 with under 10 minutes to play, but two quick three-pointers expanded the deficit once again.

Despite scoring just 46 points, it was the most the Razorbacks have allowed this season. Through two games, Arkansas was allowing just 43.0 points per game (third nationally), with opponents shooting .308 (ninth) including .095 from three-point range (third).

Montana shot 40.0 percent in the second half, and after missing its first 10 three-point attempts, connected on two of its final six. The Razorbacks defense forced Montana into 23 turnovers, right around its season average of 23.5 (10^th in NCAA).

Kendal Manuel had a rough opening half, shooting 1-for-9, before bouncing back to score a dozen points, making both of Montana's triples. For the third game in a row, Sayeed Pridgett was Montana's leading scorer, finishing with 13 points and a team-high-tying seven rebounds.

Sophomore Mack Anderson also had a nice day, finishing with nine points on 4-of-7 shooting, in addition to a career-high seven rebounds while battling against Arkansas' length. After playing just 31 minutes through the first two games, junior Timmy Falls played 30 on Saturday, leading the Grizzlies with three assists.

Gallery: (11/16/2019) MBB: at Arkansas (11.16.19)

Game Notables

Despite the low numbers, Montana played better against Arkansas' stout defense than previous opponents have. The 46 points scored were the most given up by the Razorbacks this season, while the Grizzlies' shooting percentage (32.1), three-point percentage (12.5) and turnovers (23) were all better than Arkansas' season averages, which rank among the nation's best.
Montana 46 points scored were its fewest scored in a game since also scoring 46 on Dec. 19, 2015 at Kansas.
Montana held Arkansas nearly 15 points below its season scoring average and limited the Razorbacks to .370 shooting after they entered the contest ranked 32^nd nationally with a .509 shooting percentage.
After shooting 25.8 percent from the floor in the first half, Montana improved to 40.0 in the second half. Montana actually out-shot Arkansas in the second half, 40.0 to 38.5.
The Grizzlies made two of their final six three-point attempts – both from Kendal Manuel – after missing their first 10 attempts.
Despite so many missed shots, Montana out-rebounded Arkansas, 39-37. The Grizzlies also out-blocked the Razorbacks, 5-2.
Senior Sayeed Pridgett led Montana for scoring (13) and rebounding (7) for the third game in a row.
After starting the game 1-for-9 shooting, senior Kendal Manuel finished with 12 points, including a pair of triples.
Sophomore Mack Anderson had one of the better games of his young career, scoring nine points on 4-of-7 shooting and recording a career-high seven rebounds (tied for the team lead). He played 25 minutes and blocked two shots.
Junior Timmy Falls saw the most action of his junior season, playing 30 minutes after logging just 31 through the first two games combined. He had a team-high three assists.
Freshman Derrick Carter-Hollinger had eight points on 3-of-5 shooting, including five points in the first half, which led the Grizzlies. He also had five rebounds.
Montana once again used a rotation of just eight players, starting the same five for the third consecutive game.

Looking Ahead
Montana will have a quick turnaround, flying back to Missoula on Sunday before hosting Montana Tech on Monday evening (7 p.m.). Following a home game vs. the Diggers, the Grizzlies will go back on the road to play at No. 20 Washington.