Montana hosts Montana State in 300th edition of Brawl of the Wild

Rivalry /ˈrīvəlrē/ (noun) – competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.

Montana vs. Montana State. Griz-Cat. Brawl of the Wild. Rivalry.

But what actually makes a game between two teams a rivalry?

When sports fans think of a rivalry game, proximity likely comes to mind. Be it in-state foes, such as Duke and North Carolina, or bordering neighbors, such as Michigan and Ohio State. The two teams share a small piece of space, and hope to, through physical competition, assert dominance over it.

Montana, in Missoula, and Montana State, in Bozeman fit that bill, being separated by just 203 miles along I-90. A battle between Montana's flagship institutions, the Brawl of the Wild is a battle for more than bragging rights but state pride.

Rivalries, at least the good ones, are generally competitive as well. While there have been runs by both teams in the Brawl of the Wild – including a current stretch in which Montana has won 17 of the past 18 meetings since 2011 – overall, the series has been remarkably even. The Grizzlies enter Saturday with a 151-148 edge, having taken control of the series after Pre-World War II struggles.

Most of all, though, true rivalries stand the test of time. This, perhaps, is what makes the Brawl of the Wild series so special. The two programs will meet for the 300^th time on Saturday, a number that even the nation's bluebloods can't crack.

Kansas-Kansas State? 292
Duke-North Carolina? 251
Penn-Princeton? 242
Indiana-Purdue? 207
Harvard-Yale? 201
Michigan-Michigan State? 185
Villanova-Seton Hall? 116
Georgetown-Syracuse? 95
Cincinnati-Xavier? 87
Kentucky-Louisville? 52

Remarkably, Montana and Montana State will become just the fifth rivalry in NCAA history to surpass 300 games played, joining Oregon/Oregon state (352), Oregon/Washington (308), Oregon State/Washington (305) and Oregon State/Washington State (303).

The Brawl of the Wild began in 1902-03, Montana's second season as a basketball program. In the 109 seasons since 1912, the two teams have met at least once in all but five years, including every season since 1960.

On Saturday, the Grizzlies will look to continue a recent trend that has been as good as any in the long history of the rivalry. A win would give Montana its 17^th win in its past 18 tries, including 10 straight inside Dahlberg Arena. The Grizzlies have never before had a decade this good against its neighbors. Just once before, from 1937-42, has Montana won 10 in a row on its home floor.

Montana State won the first nine meetings in the early 20^th century, and 45 of the first 61 to take commanding control of the series. The Grizzlies have continuously chipped away since, taking their first series lead two years ago.

Proximity? Check.
Competitive? Check.
Longevity? Check.

Montana-Montana State fits the bill of a true rivalry. Add a capacity crowd to the mix, not to mention history in the making, and the 300^th edition of the Brawl of the Wild will be a game Griz fans won't want to miss.

Saturday's Brawl of the Wild will include a double-header featuring the Lady Griz at 2 p.m., followed by the men's game at 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online to guarantee seats and to avoid long lines. The men's game has sold out each of the past two years, and tickets are once again selling quickly. Both games are being marketed as a Maroon Out, with fans encouraged to join the team in wearing maroon. All UM students get in free with a valid Griz Card; additionally, students can take advantage of free pizza and T-shirts prior to the game.

Fans who are unable to make the game in person can follow along in several ways. The game will be broadcast statewide on SWX MONTANA. Additionally, fans can watch the game worldwide on Pluto TV (ch. 537) or listen to it through the Grizzly Radio Network.

University of Montana Athletics

Montana hosts Montana State in 300th edition of Brawl of the Wild

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