Thursday, March 12
Boise, Idaho
8 PM
Montana
vs
Idaho State
Photo by: David Staggs
Tournament Guide: Montana at the Big Sky Championship
3/11/2020 10:33:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Montana is in Boise, Idaho for the 2020 Big Sky Championship. First-round action begins Wednesday from CenturyLink Arena, with the Grizzlies beginning their title quest Thursday (approximately 8 p.m.) against Wednesday's winner between No. 6 seed Northern Arizona and No. 11 seed Idaho State.
No. 3 Montana vs. TBD
Thursday, March 12 / Approximately 8 p.m.
Throughout history, it's hard to find many teams across the region who have enjoyed more success than Montana. The Grizzlies have won 12 Big Sky Conference regular-season titles, 11 tournament championships and have played in the NCAA tournament 12 times.
Perhaps Griz fans have never had it better than the past several years, however. Over the past nine seasons, Montana has won five regular-season titles and has finished runner-up three other times. The Grizzlies' 12 regular-season titles rank second to Weber State, but more recently, it's been Montana who has been on top. Montana has the most Big Sky titles in the past decade, and is tied with Weber State since the turn of the century. Eight of Weber State's championships came prior to 1973.
Montana has been even better in the tournament. The school's 11 tournament titles are a league record. Of the past 10 tournaments, Montana has advanced to the title game eight times, including in four of five seasons under Travis DeCuire.
EYEING A 3-PEAT
No Montana team has ever won the Big Sky tournament in three consecutive seasons, which is what the Grizzlies will aim to do this week in Boise. In fact, the feat has only been done once before in Big Sky history, and one would have to go back 40 years to the last – and only – time it happened (Weber State from 1978-80).
In 2019, Montana became the 11th school to repeat as tournament champions, joining: Weber State, 1978-79; Weber State, 1979-80; Idaho, 1981-82; Nevada, 1984-85; Idaho, 1989-90; Montana, 1991-92; Boise State, 1993-94; Montana, 2005-06; Portland State, 2008-09; Montana, 2012-13.
TOURNAMENT TALK
Having lost its final two games to close the regular season, Montana will enter the Big Sky tournament on a losing skid. While momentum has generally helped the Grizzlies – and any Big Sky champion – the lack of momentum doesn't necessarily have to be cause for concern.
Montana entered the final week of the regular season tied for first place and in a strong position to win a third consecutive Big Sky regular-season championship. The Grizzlies, though, closed their slate with back-to-back home losses to slide into a second-place tie.
While the results were disappointing, they don't change the fact that regardless – whether Montana went 20-0 or 0-20 during conference play – the team was going to have to win in Boise in order to make it back to March Madness for a school-record third straight season.
That hasn't changed. The Grizzlies know they are three wins away from doing just that, and it's something they have plenty of experience doing.
With 18 wins, Montana is guaranteed to finish with a winning record, marking the 12th consecutive season the Grizzlies have finished .500 or above.
ON THE CUSP OF 20
Montana, which has already secured a winning record, is on the cusp of reaching 20 wins for the fifth time in six seasons under Travis DeCuire and the ninth time in the past 11 seasons overall.
STRINGING SUCCESSFUL SEASONS TOGETHER
Montana is in the midst of one of its most successful runs in school history, having won 44 games over the past two years. If the Grizzlies can take care of business and win three games in Boise, the 47 wins would jump to the fourth-most in school history.
Even more impressive, during Sayeed Pridgett's four-year Griz career, Montana has won 86 games, which is tied for the seventh-best four-year stretch in school history. Again, if Montana can pick up three wins this week in Boise, it would jump to 89 wins and tied for the second-best stretch ever.
ALL-CONFERENCE RECOGNITION
On Tuesday, the Big Sky Conference announced its All-Big Sky teams and individual award winners, with three Grizzlies being recognized. Sayeed Pridgett was named a unanimous first-team selection – his second honor in a row – while Kendal Manuel earned second-team recognition. Pridgett is the 16th Grizzly to earn two All-Big Sky first-team selections in his career.
Showing the future of the program, Derrick Carter-Hollinger was named the freshman of the year. Carter-Hollinger is the Grizzlies' fourth recipient of the award, joining Daren Engellant (1989), Kevin Criswell (2003) and Cameron Rundles (2007).
LEADING THE LEAGUE
Montana ranks among the league leaders for many of the Big Sky's statistical categories, ranking first for field-goal percentage (.498), 3-point field-goal percentage (.394) and turnover margin (+3.5). Additionally, the Grizzlies rank in the top three for scoring offense (74.1), scoring margin (+6.4), free-throw percentage (.745), field-goal defense (.436), assists (13.3), steals (6.3) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.2).
The Grizzlies are the only team to rank in the top three in Big Sky play for both field-goal percentage and field-goal defense. Montana and Northern Colorado are the only two teams to rank in the top four in Big Sky play for both scoring offense and scoring defense.
NO. 2 IN THE NATION
Dating back to Jan. 9 at Eastern Washington – a span of 16 games, more than half of the regular season – Montana is averaging 76.6 points per game and a +7.8 scoring margin. Even more impressive, the Grizzlies are shooting .517 during that span, including .407 from 3-point range. Extracted over an entire season, Montana's shooting percentage would rank second in the entire nation – only trailing Dayton – as would its 3-point percentage – only trailing BYU.
Through non-conference play, Montana was averaging 64.8 points per game (10th out of 11 teams in the Big Sky) on .429 shooting (10th). The Grizzlies were shooting .296 from deep (11th) and .686 from the free-throw line (sixth). During 20 Big Sky games, Montana led the league for both shooting (.498) and 3-point shooting (.394), while ranking second for scoring margin (+6.4), third for scoring (74.1 points per game) and third for free-throw percentage (.745).
RISING IN THE RANKINGS
In the past two months, Montana has risen significantly in several shooting categories. Below is a look at Montana's figures and national rankings prior to playing at Eastern Washington (Jan. 9) to now:
Category Jan. 8 Rank March 9 Rank Difference
Scoring 64.7 315th 70.8 185th +130
FG% .428 228th .473 21st +207
3FG% .307 289th .358 55th +234
FT% .692 198th .723 122nd +76
Scoring Margin -3.5 284th +2.4 158th +126
HITTING FROM DEEP
Sayeed Pridgett wasn't named the league's player of the year, but he was one of three players who were unanimous first-team selections, and deservedly so. Pridgett closed the regular season among the league's leaders for a variety of categories, being the only player to rank in the top 10 in Big Sky play for scoring, shooting, rebounding and assists.
More on Pridgett
In March 2019, Sayeed Pridgett became the 34th member of Montana's 1,000-point scoring club. Pridgett has steadily climbed the list, and during the final week of the regular season passed four players – including former teammates Michael Oguine and Ahmaad Rorie – to move into fourth place on the school's all-time scoring list.
With nearly 1,700 career points, it is the most by a Grizzly since Larry Krystkowiak set a school record in the early 1980s.
KEEPING TABS ON PRIDGETT
Sayeed Pridgett will finish his Griz careers as one of the most-decorated players in school history, and is quickly shooting up several all-time lists.
Seniors Sayeed Pridgett (36:16, 36th) and Kendal Manuel (36:09, 38th) are among the nation's leaders for time on the court. Montana and Arkansas are the only two teams to have two players rank in the top 40 nationally for minutes played.
Kendal Manuel is one of the nation's top free-throw shooters, currently ranked sixth in the entire country, connecting at a .905 clip. His season includes two stretches of more than 20 consecutive makes, a 10-for-10 performance vs. North Dakota (Dec. 6), and a pair of free throws with 2.5 seconds to play in a 52-50 victory over Sacramento State (Dec. 30).
Manuel's current mark is one of the best in Montana and Big Sky history, as is his career percentage of .883, which is on pace to break Anthony Johnson's school-record mark of .873. It would also rank second in Big Sky history, trailing only Jeb Ivey of Portland State (.937 from 2001-03).
DOMINANT DECUIRE
Travis DeCuire is in his sixth season at his alma mater. Despite a long line of successful Griz coaches, no Montana coach has ever won as many games through his first five seasons as DeCuire did (109-58). Blaine Taylor— DeCuire's head coach while he was player – had 104 wins through his first five seasons. Other notable Griz coaches include Stew Morrill (98), Wayne Tinkle (91), Mike Montgomery (89), Jud Heathcote (80) and George Dahlberg (70).
After leading for just 18 minutes, 26 seconds combined in wins over Northern Arizona (Dec. 28) and Sacramento State (Dec. 30) to open Big Sky play, the Grizzlies led by an average of 33:57 in their other 12 Big Sky wins. Montana never trailed in wins over Southern Utah (Jan. 2) and Idaho State (Feb. 15), and for just 14 seconds against Montana State (Feb. 1).
In its past 12 wins, Montana's largest deficit has been eight points.
SLIPPING AWAY
Of Montana's six Big Sky losses, the Grizzlies arguably should have won three of them, holding double-digit second-half leads at Weber State, Northern Arizona and at home against Southern Utah.
Montana has played 18 contests decided by single digits, including 13 in Big Sky play and five in a row to close the regular season. The Grizzlies have had 10 contests decided by two possessions or fewer (5-5) and six decided by one possession (3-3).
STARTING HOT
While Montana was shooting for the No. 1 seed, that would have required the Grizzlies to play the early game each day, including a noon tip on Thursday in the quarterfinals. Instead, Montana will tip at 8 p.m. Thursday, and should the Grizzlies advance, would play at 8 again on Friday night and 6 on Saturday.
Perhaps a useless stat, but Montana is 0-3 in day games this season.
SENIOR SALUTE
Montana recognized its senior class prior to its home finale on March 7. The group includes Sayeed Pridgett, a two-year starter and two-time first-team All-Big Sky selection who ranks among Montana's career leaders for points, steals, rebounding, assists and games played. Kendal Manuel began his career at Oregon State, before transferring to Montana in 2018-19, where he was the league's newcomer of the year and top reserve. Manuel has been Montana's top 3-point shooter each of the past two years, and is ranked in the top 10 in Big Sky play for scoring, shooting, 3-pointers and minutes played. After beginning his career at Montana, Jared Samuelson transferred to Rocky Mountain College where he became an NAIA All-American. Once he completed his degree, Samuelson transferred back to Montana, where he has become a reliable scorer and rebounder, ranking third on the team for scoring and first for field-goal percentage.
SENIOR LOVE
While Montana has relied heavily on its trio of freshmen, it's been the three seniors who have carried the bulk of the load. Just once (Derrick Carter-Hollinger at Eastern Washington, Jan. 9) has a non-senior led Montana for scoring in a game. Overall, Sayeed Pridgett has been Montana's leading scorer 18 times, followed by Kendal Manuel (nine) and Jared Samuelson (four).
FRESH FACES
Senior Sayeed Pridgett has accomplished plenty in his career, as the versatile player is expected to finish his career ranked in the top five in Montana history for points and steals, and near the top 10 for rebounding and assists.
He also has been consistent, scoring in double figures in 44 of his past 45 games dating back to Feb. 7, 2019. His streak of 41 in a row, prior to an eight-point performance at Northern Arizona (Feb. 29), was the fifth-longest active streak in the nation. Ironically, the streak ended with Pridgett wearing an unfamiliar No. 12, as his jersey was left in Missoula. Two nights later, once again wearing No. 4, Pridgett was back to his normal ways with a 24-point performance.
1,000 FOR MANUEL
Senior Kendal Manuel, who began his collegiate career at Oregon State, reached 1,000 career points with an emphatic slam dunk vs. Weber State (Feb. 13). The transfer has nearly 800 of those points in less than two full seasons at Montana and was in double figures for scoring in 19 of 20 Big Sky contests.
INDIVIDUALLY SPEAKING
No. 3 Montana vs. TBD
Thursday, March 12 / Approximately 8 p.m.
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Throughout history, it's hard to find many teams across the region who have enjoyed more success than Montana. The Grizzlies have won 12 Big Sky Conference regular-season titles, 11 tournament championships and have played in the NCAA tournament 12 times.
Perhaps Griz fans have never had it better than the past several years, however. Over the past nine seasons, Montana has won five regular-season titles and has finished runner-up three other times. The Grizzlies' 12 regular-season titles rank second to Weber State, but more recently, it's been Montana who has been on top. Montana has the most Big Sky titles in the past decade, and is tied with Weber State since the turn of the century. Eight of Weber State's championships came prior to 1973.
Montana has been even better in the tournament. The school's 11 tournament titles are a league record. Of the past 10 tournaments, Montana has advanced to the title game eight times, including in four of five seasons under Travis DeCuire.
EYEING A 3-PEAT
No Montana team has ever won the Big Sky tournament in three consecutive seasons, which is what the Grizzlies will aim to do this week in Boise. In fact, the feat has only been done once before in Big Sky history, and one would have to go back 40 years to the last – and only – time it happened (Weber State from 1978-80).
In 2019, Montana became the 11th school to repeat as tournament champions, joining: Weber State, 1978-79; Weber State, 1979-80; Idaho, 1981-82; Nevada, 1984-85; Idaho, 1989-90; Montana, 1991-92; Boise State, 1993-94; Montana, 2005-06; Portland State, 2008-09; Montana, 2012-13.
TOURNAMENT TALK
- Montana has advanced to the Big Sky tournament 41 times in the past 43 seasons, tied with Weber State for the most appearances during that span (1978-present).
- Montana is 43-29 all-time in the tournament, the second-most wins of any Big Sky team.
- The Grizzlies have won the championship a league-best 11 times.
- Montana has played in the finals 20 times (first), including in eight of the past 10 tournaments and four of five under Travis DeCuire.
- The Grizzlies are looking to become the second school in Big Sky history – and first in 40 years – to win three consecutive tournament championships. The only time it has happened came from 1978-80, by Weber State.
- Since Montana's first tournament title in 1991, Montana is 11-4 in the championship game.
- Montana has won eight consecutive semifinals games dating back to 2010.
- Montana will look to break a ring of success by the No. 1 seed:
- The No. 1 seed has won the conference tournament in 27 of 45 seasons, including eight of the past nine and all four years that the game has been played on a neutral site.
- The No. 1 seed has advanced to the title game in 13 of the past 14 seasons, with 2010 (Weber State) being the lone exception.
- Montana will play as the No. 3 seed for the 12th time (1980, 1981, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1996, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009).
- The Grizzlies are 7-10 while holding that spot, with the last appearance coming in 2009.
- Montana is 3-5 in the quarterfinals, 3-3 in the semifinals and 1-2 in the championship game.
- The Grizzlies won the 2005 title as the No. 3 seed, beating Eastern Washington in a first-round home game, before taking down Montana State and Weber State in Portland, Oregon.
- In Big Sky history, the No. 3 seed has won three championships (Weber State in 1978, Northern Arizona in 2000 and Montana in 2005).
- The No. 3 seed has played in the title game 11 times overall, including each of the last three seasons (all losses).
- The No. 3 seed is 23-12 in the quarterfinals, going 13-3 since 2004 and winning five in a row.
- The No. 3 seed is 11-21 in the semifinals, winning three in a row following eight straight losses.
Having lost its final two games to close the regular season, Montana will enter the Big Sky tournament on a losing skid. While momentum has generally helped the Grizzlies – and any Big Sky champion – the lack of momentum doesn't necessarily have to be cause for concern.
- Montana has had a multi-game losing streak entering the Big Sky tournament four times, the last being in 1990. While Montana lost its first tournament game three of those times, the other, in 1984, the Grizzlies advanced to the finals.
- Of Montana's 11 tournament titles, two have come after the Grizzlies lost their regular-season finale (2002, 2010). In 2010, the Griz lost two of their final three games.
- Nine of the 45 tournament champions (20 percent) lost their regular-season finale before winning the conference tournament. In 2004, Eastern Washington – like Montana – entered the tournament on a two-game skid, before winning the title.
- Three times Montana has had a three-game winning streak or better going into the tournament, only to lose its first game.
WIN 3 AND YOU'RE INSee you soon, Boise!#GrizHoops #BigSkyInBoise pic.twitter.com/yZTy9FX9CB
— Montana Griz BB (@MontanaGrizBB) March 10, 2020
Montana entered the final week of the regular season tied for first place and in a strong position to win a third consecutive Big Sky regular-season championship. The Grizzlies, though, closed their slate with back-to-back home losses to slide into a second-place tie.
While the results were disappointing, they don't change the fact that regardless – whether Montana went 20-0 or 0-20 during conference play – the team was going to have to win in Boise in order to make it back to March Madness for a school-record third straight season.
That hasn't changed. The Grizzlies know they are three wins away from doing just that, and it's something they have plenty of experience doing.
- The Grizzlies swept through the competition each of the past two tournaments.
- In six seasons under Travis DeCuire, Montana has put together a three-game winning streak 24 times, including four times this season.
- Twice this season, Montana has rattled off three straight wins following back-to-back losses. The Grizzlies have done so seven times total under DeCuire.
With 18 wins, Montana is guaranteed to finish with a winning record, marking the 12th consecutive season the Grizzlies have finished .500 or above.
ON THE CUSP OF 20
Montana, which has already secured a winning record, is on the cusp of reaching 20 wins for the fifth time in six seasons under Travis DeCuire and the ninth time in the past 11 seasons overall.
STRINGING SUCCESSFUL SEASONS TOGETHER
Montana is in the midst of one of its most successful runs in school history, having won 44 games over the past two years. If the Grizzlies can take care of business and win three games in Boise, the 47 wins would jump to the fourth-most in school history.
Even more impressive, during Sayeed Pridgett's four-year Griz career, Montana has won 86 games, which is tied for the seventh-best four-year stretch in school history. Again, if Montana can pick up three wins this week in Boise, it would jump to 89 wins and tied for the second-best stretch ever.
ALL-CONFERENCE RECOGNITION
On Tuesday, the Big Sky Conference announced its All-Big Sky teams and individual award winners, with three Grizzlies being recognized. Sayeed Pridgett was named a unanimous first-team selection – his second honor in a row – while Kendal Manuel earned second-team recognition. Pridgett is the 16th Grizzly to earn two All-Big Sky first-team selections in his career.
Showing the future of the program, Derrick Carter-Hollinger was named the freshman of the year. Carter-Hollinger is the Grizzlies' fourth recipient of the award, joining Daren Engellant (1989), Kevin Criswell (2003) and Cameron Rundles (2007).
LEADING THE LEAGUE
Montana ranks among the league leaders for many of the Big Sky's statistical categories, ranking first for field-goal percentage (.498), 3-point field-goal percentage (.394) and turnover margin (+3.5). Additionally, the Grizzlies rank in the top three for scoring offense (74.1), scoring margin (+6.4), free-throw percentage (.745), field-goal defense (.436), assists (13.3), steals (6.3) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.2).
The Grizzlies are the only team to rank in the top three in Big Sky play for both field-goal percentage and field-goal defense. Montana and Northern Colorado are the only two teams to rank in the top four in Big Sky play for both scoring offense and scoring defense.
NO. 2 IN THE NATION
Dating back to Jan. 9 at Eastern Washington – a span of 16 games, more than half of the regular season – Montana is averaging 76.6 points per game and a +7.8 scoring margin. Even more impressive, the Grizzlies are shooting .517 during that span, including .407 from 3-point range. Extracted over an entire season, Montana's shooting percentage would rank second in the entire nation – only trailing Dayton – as would its 3-point percentage – only trailing BYU.
Through non-conference play, Montana was averaging 64.8 points per game (10th out of 11 teams in the Big Sky) on .429 shooting (10th). The Grizzlies were shooting .296 from deep (11th) and .686 from the free-throw line (sixth). During 20 Big Sky games, Montana led the league for both shooting (.498) and 3-point shooting (.394), while ranking second for scoring margin (+6.4), third for scoring (74.1 points per game) and third for free-throw percentage (.745).
RISING IN THE RANKINGS
In the past two months, Montana has risen significantly in several shooting categories. Below is a look at Montana's figures and national rankings prior to playing at Eastern Washington (Jan. 9) to now:
Category Jan. 8 Rank March 9 Rank Difference
Scoring 64.7 315th 70.8 185th +130
FG% .428 228th .473 21st +207
3FG% .307 289th .358 55th +234
FT% .692 198th .723 122nd +76
Scoring Margin -3.5 284th +2.4 158th +126
HITTING FROM DEEP
- On Jan. 1, Montana ranked 310th nationally (out of 353 Division-I teams) with a .296 3-point field-goal percentage. The Grizzlies now rank 55th, in the top 15 percent nationally (.358).
- After connecting at a better 3-point clip than its opponents just three times through 13 games in November and December, Montana has done so in 12 of 18 games since.
- Montana made at least five 3-pointers in 16 of 20 Big Sky games; Montana made five 3-pointers in just five of its first 12 games to begin the season.
- Montana made a season-high 11 triples vs. Montana State (Feb. 1), including 10 in the first half alone. Last month vs. Eastern Washington (Feb. 6), Montana shot a season-best .600 from deep (9-of-15).
- On the season, Montana ranks 21st nationally with a .473 shooting percentage. The Grizzlies rank 55th from 3-point range (.358).
- Montana didn't post a positive season scoring margin from Nov. 16 through Feb. 1. The Grizzlies, who recorded a +6.4 scoring margin in league play, now have a +2.4 margin overall.
- The Grizzlies out-shot 16 of their 20 Big Sky opponents, including a stretch from Jan. 2-Feb. 29 in which they were out-shot just once. The lone exception came against Eastern Washington (Feb. 6), in which Montana still shot .517.
- Montana is 15-6 this season when out-shooting its opponent, including 11-3 when posting a better 3-point percentage.
- Montana eclipsed 80 points seven times during Big Sky play, including six times in an eight-game stretch from Jan. 9-Feb. 8.
- Montana scored 70 or more points just twice through the first eight games of the season, but did so 16 times in the next 23 games to close the regular season, including eight in a row in February.
- Montana shot above .480 in 11 consecutive games from Jan. 23-Feb. 29, making at least half of its shots nine times. The Grizzlies shot a season-best .604 vs. Portland State (Jan. 13).
- After shooting .353 during non-conference play, including .254 from deep (17-of-67), Kendal Manuel ranked sixth in Big Sky play for shooting (.472), including .433 from deep.
- In its final road game of the regular season (Feb. 29), Montana scored 79 points at Sacramento State, the nation's fourth-best scoring defense at the time. The total was more than 20 points above the Hornets' season average, and more points than they had allowed in any game this season.
- Montana scored 78 points in a win over Montana State (Feb. 1), the most by a Big Sky team against the Cats this season up to that point. The Grizzlies scored 54 points in the first half alone, connecting on 10 3-pointers against the nation's ninth-best 3-point defense.
- Montana scored 66 points at Northern Colorado (Jan. 4), which owned the nation's 35th-best scoring defense at the time. The total was more than any opponent had inside Bank of Colorado Arena up to that point.
- Facing the nation's third-best defense, Montana beat Sacramento State (Dec. 30), despite scoring just 52 points. It was the Grizzlies' lowest scoring output in a win since beating the Hornets – by the exact same 52-50 score – in January 1998.
Sayeed Pridgett wasn't named the league's player of the year, but he was one of three players who were unanimous first-team selections, and deservedly so. Pridgett closed the regular season among the league's leaders for a variety of categories, being the only player to rank in the top 10 in Big Sky play for scoring, shooting, rebounding and assists.
- 20.0 points per game (3rd)
- .511 shooting percentage (4th)
- 4.3 assists per game (4th)
- 6.9 rebounds per game (7th)
More on Pridgett
- Is one of 14 players nationally to rank in the top 40 for both scoring and minutes played.
- Ranks 32nd in Division I for scoring (19.8 points per game), 36th for minutes played (36:3 per game); and 76th for shooting percentage (.511).
- Has led Montana for rebounding 20 times, assists 19 times, scoring on 19 occasions and steals in 13 games.
- Has been in double figures for scoring in all but one game, scoring 20 or more points 13 times, including 30 or more in three games.
- Recorded six double-doubles, also flirting with a triple-double on several occasions.
- Was one of six players named to the Preseason All-Big Sky Conference team in October.
- Was named to the All-Big Sky first team in 2019 as a junior, when he was the league's only player to rank in the top 15 for scoring (sixth), shooting (second), steals (11th), assists (13th) and rebounds (15th). He not only averaged 15.1 points per game, but did so on .605 shooting, the 19th-best rate in the nation.
- As a freshman in 2016, Pridgett averaged 8.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting at a .524 clip (ninth in Big Sky). As a sophomore, he was Montana's top player off the bench, averaging 8.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while adding 1.2 steals per contest (11th in Big Sky).
- Pridgett has been named Montana's Ryan Dick Award winner as the team's most-improved player each of the past three seasons.
- DeCuire has called him the most versatile player he's ever coached.
In March 2019, Sayeed Pridgett became the 34th member of Montana's 1,000-point scoring club. Pridgett has steadily climbed the list, and during the final week of the regular season passed four players – including former teammates Michael Oguine and Ahmaad Rorie – to move into fourth place on the school's all-time scoring list.
With nearly 1,700 career points, it is the most by a Grizzly since Larry Krystkowiak set a school record in the early 1980s.
KEEPING TABS ON PRIDGETT
Sayeed Pridgett will finish his Griz careers as one of the most-decorated players in school history, and is quickly shooting up several all-time lists.
- Pridgett passed four Grizzlies last week – including two former teammates – to jump to fourth place on Montana's all-time scoring list. He is closing in on 1,700 career points, which is the most by a Montana player since Larry Krystkowiak set a school record with 2,017 from 1982-86.
- Pridgett's current point total ranks 50th among active players nationally. Of those ranked ahead of him, only 13 also have at least 650 career rebounds.
- Pridgett's season point total of 613 ranks seventh in single-season history, with the senior expected to potentially jump to third this week. Montana's current top six includes Larry Krystkowiak (709 in 1985-86); Bob Cope (701 in 1949-50); Michael Ray Richardson (653 in 1977-78); Krystkowiak (632 in 1984-85); Martin Breunig (624 in 2015-16); and Anthony Johnson (614 in 2009-10).
- Pridgett is five steals away from cracking the top five in school history. He currently has 142 steals.
- Pridgett's 661 rebounds currently rank 14th in school history.
- Pridgett's 286 assists currently rank 16th in school history.
Seniors Sayeed Pridgett (36:16, 36th) and Kendal Manuel (36:09, 38th) are among the nation's leaders for time on the court. Montana and Arkansas are the only two teams to have two players rank in the top 40 nationally for minutes played.
- Manuel played at least 35 minutes in 18 of 20 Big Sky games, including 40-plus in the final four. In three games from Feb. 27-March 5, he was not subbed out once.
- Pridgett played 40 minutes in three of the final five regular-season games, in addition to all 45 of an overtime contest at Weber State (Jan. 25). Seventeen times during the regular season Pridgett played at least 38 minutes.
Kendal Manuel is one of the nation's top free-throw shooters, currently ranked sixth in the entire country, connecting at a .905 clip. His season includes two stretches of more than 20 consecutive makes, a 10-for-10 performance vs. North Dakota (Dec. 6), and a pair of free throws with 2.5 seconds to play in a 52-50 victory over Sacramento State (Dec. 30).
Manuel's current mark is one of the best in Montana and Big Sky history, as is his career percentage of .883, which is on pace to break Anthony Johnson's school-record mark of .873. It would also rank second in Big Sky history, trailing only Jeb Ivey of Portland State (.937 from 2001-03).
DOMINANT DECUIRE
Travis DeCuire is in his sixth season at his alma mater. Despite a long line of successful Griz coaches, no Montana coach has ever won as many games through his first five seasons as DeCuire did (109-58). Blaine Taylor— DeCuire's head coach while he was player – had 104 wins through his first five seasons. Other notable Griz coaches include Stew Morrill (98), Wayne Tinkle (91), Mike Montgomery (89), Jud Heathcote (80) and George Dahlberg (70).
- DeCuire was named coach of the year by the Big Sky Conference and NABC District 6 in 2018.
- DeCuire is the fastest coach in Big Sky history to win 50 league games.
- DeCuire's .759 Big Sky winning percentage is the third-best in league history, and best among coaches with three or more seasons.
- DeCuire has averaged 21.2 wins per season over his first six seasons as head coach (third in Big Sky history).
- DeCuire is Montana's only coach to win three regular-season conference titles. He has also won the league tournament twice.
- Montana led the Big Sky with a +3.5 turnover margin, averaging just 10.7 giveaways per game. Overall, the Grizzlies rank 40th nationally for turnover margin and 70th for turnovers per game.
- Montana has turned the ball over more times than its opponents just once in the past 10 games and three times in the past 27, dating back to Nov. 22.
- Montana has turned the ball over more times than its opponent just six times this season (0-6).
- Montana is 18-8 when turning the ball over 15 times or fewer, compared to 0-6 when turning the ball over 16 or more times.
- The Grizzlies forced a season high 10 steals against both Sacramento State (Dec. 30) and Idaho (Jan. 18).
- Big Sky opponents scored just 67.7 points per game against Montana, with 14 of the 20 teams being held under their season scoring average.
- Montana held five opponents under 60 points, including three in a four-game stretch from Feb. 13-27.
- Just three times this season has Montana given up more than 74 points in regulation.
- Overall, Montana is 13-2 when limiting opponents to 70 points or fewer.
- The Grizzlies are 10-1 when holding opponents under .400 shooting, and 15-5 when they shoot .450 or below. On the flip side, Montana is 3-8 when opponents shoot better than .450.
- Montana has twice held an opponent without a made 3-pointer. Both No. 25 Washington (Nov. 22) and Portland State (Jan. 13) shot 0-for-11 from deep against the Griz.
- Eastern Washington ranked third nationally for scoring offense when Montana played in Cheney (Jan. 9), but the Grizzlies held the Eagles to 63 points, nearly 23 points below their season scoring average and 38 points below their season average at home.
- Weber State (Feb. 13) was limited to 37 points against the Griz, the fewest by a Montana opponent since 2010, and lowest total by a Big Sky opponent since 1976.
- Montana ranks in the bottom 30 nationally, being called for an average of 20.3 fouls per game.
- Montana has been called for fewer fouls than its opponent six times this season, including just twice during Big Sky play (17 to 19 at Idaho on Feb. 8; 18 to 19 at Sacramento State on Feb. 29).
- Montana has shot fewer free throws than its opponent in 19 consecutive games. The only time during Big Sky play the Grizzlies attempted more free throws than their opponent was in the Big Sky opener vs. Northern Arizona (23 to 21 on Dec. 28).
- When Montana has been able to get to the line, the Grizzlies generally convert, ranking third in Big Sky play at a .745 clip.
- Montana was 14-0 in Big Sky games when shooting a better percentage than its opponent from the line, compared to 0-6 when shooting a worse percentage.
- Montana is 8-1 on the season when making the same or more free throws than its opponent, with the lone exception being a Nov. 18 loss to Montana Tech.
- On Feb. 27 at Northern Arizona, Montana only shot two free throws the entire game, and none until the final 30 seconds on two intentional fouls.
- Fourteen times, including 10 times during Big Sky play, Montana shot at least 10 fewer free throws than its opponent, including at Washington (-33), at New Mexico (-28), at Weber State (-17), vs. Southern Utah (-17), at Northern Colorado (-16) and -15 four times.
- Eighteen times Montana has attempted fewer free throws than its opponent has made.
After leading for just 18 minutes, 26 seconds combined in wins over Northern Arizona (Dec. 28) and Sacramento State (Dec. 30) to open Big Sky play, the Grizzlies led by an average of 33:57 in their other 12 Big Sky wins. Montana never trailed in wins over Southern Utah (Jan. 2) and Idaho State (Feb. 15), and for just 14 seconds against Montana State (Feb. 1).
In its past 12 wins, Montana's largest deficit has been eight points.
SLIPPING AWAY
Of Montana's six Big Sky losses, the Grizzlies arguably should have won three of them, holding double-digit second-half leads at Weber State, Northern Arizona and at home against Southern Utah.
- Weber State (Jan. 23) – Led for 38 minutes of regulation, including by seven points with 2 minutes to play, before being out-scored 8-1 down the stretch and losing in overtime.
- Northern Arizona (Feb. 29) – Led by seven points late, but was held scoreless over the final 3:30. Trailed for just 3:55 on the night, and never by more than four points.
- Southern Utah (March 7) – Led by as many as 16 points, including 10 in the second half, but lost in overtime, despite leading for 33 minutes of regulation.
Montana has played 18 contests decided by single digits, including 13 in Big Sky play and five in a row to close the regular season. The Grizzlies have had 10 contests decided by two possessions or fewer (5-5) and six decided by one possession (3-3).
STARTING HOT
- Since the start of February, Montana has led at halftime in seven of 10 games. In two of the deficits, the Grizzlies trailed by just a single point.
- Montana is 12-3 on the season when leading at the intermission, compared to 6-10 when tied or trailing.
- Montana has scored 40 or more points by halftime in eight of its past 16 contests, including a season-high 54 vs. Montana State (Feb. 1).
- Montana has struggled with rebounding this season, ranking 336th nationally with 31.3 rebounds per game, and 289th with a -2.6 rebounding margin.
- The Grizzlies were 8-1 in Big Sky play when tied or leading the rebounding battle (their only loss was vs. Northern Colorado on March 5). Montana's largest advantage was +8 at Eastern Washington (Jan. 9). Five of the nine times Montana led or was tied, the advantage was two rebounds or fewer.
While Montana was shooting for the No. 1 seed, that would have required the Grizzlies to play the early game each day, including a noon tip on Thursday in the quarterfinals. Instead, Montana will tip at 8 p.m. Thursday, and should the Grizzlies advance, would play at 8 again on Friday night and 6 on Saturday.
Perhaps a useless stat, but Montana is 0-3 in day games this season.
SENIOR SALUTE
Montana recognized its senior class prior to its home finale on March 7. The group includes Sayeed Pridgett, a two-year starter and two-time first-team All-Big Sky selection who ranks among Montana's career leaders for points, steals, rebounding, assists and games played. Kendal Manuel began his career at Oregon State, before transferring to Montana in 2018-19, where he was the league's newcomer of the year and top reserve. Manuel has been Montana's top 3-point shooter each of the past two years, and is ranked in the top 10 in Big Sky play for scoring, shooting, 3-pointers and minutes played. After beginning his career at Montana, Jared Samuelson transferred to Rocky Mountain College where he became an NAIA All-American. Once he completed his degree, Samuelson transferred back to Montana, where he has become a reliable scorer and rebounder, ranking third on the team for scoring and first for field-goal percentage.
SENIOR LOVE
While Montana has relied heavily on its trio of freshmen, it's been the three seniors who have carried the bulk of the load. Just once (Derrick Carter-Hollinger at Eastern Washington, Jan. 9) has a non-senior led Montana for scoring in a game. Overall, Sayeed Pridgett has been Montana's leading scorer 18 times, followed by Kendal Manuel (nine) and Jared Samuelson (four).
FRESH FACES
- Of Montana's eight players who average at least 10 minutes per game, three are true freshmen.
- The trio accounts for 31.9 percent of the team's minutes, 30.2 percent of its rebounds and 23.2 percent of its scoring.
- Montana has started at least one freshman in all but one game this season, with the three totaling a school-record 40 combined starts.
- In a variety of combinations, Montana started multiple true freshmen in its first 10 games. It marked the first time since 2014 that a pair of true freshmen had started in the same game, and the first time ever that two freshmen started more than five times in the same season.
- Of the 10 players who have seen the court this season, just four played a season ago. In Montana's lineup are three true freshmen, a redshirt freshman and two transfers.
- Montana has used seven different starting lineup combinations, including a different one in four consecutive games in December.
- Montana has used the same starting lineup in its last 10 games, however: Timmy Falls, Sayeed Pridgett, Kendal Manuel, Jared Samuelson, Derrick Carter-Hollinger.
- Montana started two true freshmen in each of the first 10 games, and has had at least one true freshman start in all but one contest.
- Seniors Kendal Manuel and Sayeed Pridgett have started every game this season. Both rank in the top 40 nationally for minutes played per game.
Senior Sayeed Pridgett has accomplished plenty in his career, as the versatile player is expected to finish his career ranked in the top five in Montana history for points and steals, and near the top 10 for rebounding and assists.
He also has been consistent, scoring in double figures in 44 of his past 45 games dating back to Feb. 7, 2019. His streak of 41 in a row, prior to an eight-point performance at Northern Arizona (Feb. 29), was the fifth-longest active streak in the nation. Ironically, the streak ended with Pridgett wearing an unfamiliar No. 12, as his jersey was left in Missoula. Two nights later, once again wearing No. 4, Pridgett was back to his normal ways with a 24-point performance.
1,000 FOR MANUEL
Senior Kendal Manuel, who began his collegiate career at Oregon State, reached 1,000 career points with an emphatic slam dunk vs. Weber State (Feb. 13). The transfer has nearly 800 of those points in less than two full seasons at Montana and was in double figures for scoring in 19 of 20 Big Sky contests.
INDIVIDUALLY SPEAKING
- #0 Kyle Owens – Has played in every game, earning nine starts through season's first 10 games… Has been in double figures for scoring five times, including career-high 14 vs. Montana Tech (Nov. 18) and Montana State (Feb. 1)… Four-plus rebounds seven times, but just once since Dec. 30… Made six 3-pointers through first 28 games, before connecting on four in last three games, including 3-for-3 performance in win at Sacramento State (Feb. 29)… Scored eight points during 2-minute stretch late, including tiebreaking triple with under 6 minutes to play… Shooting .471 from floor, missing more than three shots in a game just twice… In win over Montana State (Feb. 1), scored 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting, in addition to six rebounds… Averaged 8.7 ppg and 5.7 rpg over final three games of December… Scored eight points and pulled down six rebounds in comeback win at Sacramento State (Dec. 30)… Had career-high seven rebounds in win over Northern Arizona (Dec. 28), scoring four straight during Griz run that put UM on top for good… Scored 12 points in addition to stealing three passes at Omaha (Dec. 21)... Ranked second on team with 14 points vs. Montana Tech (Nov. 18), including perfect 10-for-10 from free-throw line... Reached double figures for first time with 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting vs. MSU Northern (Nov. 10)... Made collegiate debut at Stanford (Nov. 6), scoring three points.
- #1 Timmy Falls – Ranks seventh in Big Sky play for steals (1.5) and 10th for assists (3.2)… Has league's second-best assist-to-turnover ratio (2.4)… Has started past 27 games… Leads UM with one assist every 9.4 on-court minutes… Has led UM for assists 10 times, steals 10 times and blocked shots on five occasions… Has just three negative assist-to-turnover ratios over past 24 games… Has dished out three or more assists 17 times, including five in a row from Dec. 30-Jan. 13 and four in a row to close regular season (Feb. 27-March 7)… Has been in double figures for scoring 11 times, including five consecutive games from Jan. 23-Feb. 6… Scored career-high-tying 16 points at Weber State (Jan. 25), including 14 in first half… Shot 7-of-9 vs. Wildcats, including 2-of-3 from deep… Made multiple 3-pointers in seven games, led by 3-for-3 performance at Sacramento State (Feb. 29)… Has multiple steals in 12 games, including three in a row to close regular season (2.7 average)… Led UM in steals in final three regular-season games… Has played 30 or more minutes in last three games… In road win at Sacramento State (Feb. 29), scored nine-first half points on 3-of-3 shooting, in addition to career-high-tying four steals, five assists and career-high 39 minutes played… Stole in-bounds pass in closing seconds at Southern Utah to seal two-point victory (Jan. 2)… Recorded season-high six assists, three steals and two blocks in victory... In comeback win over Sacramento State (Dec. 30), had four assists… Had assist and blocked shot in first two possessions of second half, during 8-0 UM run, and steal late in game to keep UM on top… Was in double figures for scoring in four of six games from Nov. 18-Dec. 6, after averaging 2.0 ppg through first three contests... Had three or more assists four times during that span... Totaled 15 points vs. North Dakota (Dec. 6)... Scored seven straight points against Coppin State (Nov. 29) to help UM jump out to early lead; scored 11 points through game's first 10 minutes and 14 overall... Earned first start of season at Washington (Nov. 22), leading UM with four assists and two steals... Played career-high 38 minutes vs. Montana Tech (Nov. 18), scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, in addition to three steals.
- #2 Kendal Manuel – All-Big Sky Conference second team… Named Big Sky Player of the Week on Jan. 7... Ranks first in Big Sky play for free-throw percentage (.906), third for minutes (37.5 per game), fifth for 3-pointers made (2.1 per game), sixth for field-goal percentage (.472) and ninth for scoring (16.4 per game)… Has led UM for minutes played 13 times, scoring in nine games and steals on five occasions… Scored in double figures in 19 of 20 Big Sky games, reaching 20 four times, including career-high 30 points at Northern Colorado (Jan. 4)… Played at least 35 minutes in all but two league games, including 40+ in final four… Ranks sixth in NCAA for free-throw shooting… Made at least 20 consecutive free throws two separate times, led by 10-for-10 performance vs. North Dakota (Dec. 6)… Has made at least one 3-pointer in all but four games, and two or more 20 times… Has made multiple 3-pointers in seven of last 10 games, including four vs. Montana State (Feb. 1) and at Northern Arizona (Feb. 27)… Has seven multi-steal games... Led UM with 21 points at Idaho State (Jan. 23) and 19 at Portland State (Jan. 30)… Led the Griz with 27 points vs. Portland State (Jan. 13), making five 3-pointers... Had career night at Northern Colorado, scoring 30 points... Also tied or established career high for shots made (13), rebounds (six) and steals (three)... With game tied at 50-50, knocked down two free throws with 2.5 seconds remaining to seal win over Sacramento State (Dec. 30)… Led UM with 15 points at Oregon (Dec. 18)... Had two or more steals in three consecutive games (Dec. 6-21)… Had 10:2 assist-to-turnover ratio over two games (Nov. 25-29), including six vs. Coppin State (Nov. 29)… Connected on three 3-pointers vs. Eagles, leading to 11 points… Scored 15 points at Washington (Nov. 22) and 25 vs. Montana Tech (Nov. 18), making 10 shots.
- #3 Josh Vazquez – Ranks sixth in Big Sky play for steals (1.6 per game)... Has played in every game, earning 14 starts… Has led UM for steals eight times, assists in five games and blocked shots twice… Has posted negative assist-to-turnover ratio just five times in past 21 games, after doing so eight times in first 10 contests… Has 17 multi-assists games, including five in back-to-back games at Omaha (Dec. 21) and vs. Northern Arizona (Dec. 28)… Has multiple steals in nine games, including four in a row from Feb. 6-15 (3.0 average)… Led UM in that category in all four contests… Has scored in double figures seven times, including career-high 16 vs. New Mexico (Dec. 1)… Shot perfect 12-for-12 from free-throw line during Big Sky play… After beginning Big Sky play 1-of-19 from deep, connected on 15 of next 31 attempts, beginning with 4-for-4 performance at Weber State (Jan. 25)… Made multiple 3-pointers five times in final 12 games, including three vs. Idaho (Feb. 8) and Idaho State (Feb. 15)… Against the Vandals, pulled down career-high six rebounds, in addition to team-high four assists… Against the Bengals, scored 11 points, including eight points, one assist and one steal in first 10 minutes… In slump-busting game at Weber State (Jan. 25), scored 12 points while recording career highs for minutes (39) and steals (four), and adding four assists to zero turnovers… Had career day at Omaha (Dec. 21), scoring 14 points (3-for-3 from deep) while dishing out career-high five assists... Made 15 of 30 3-point attempts over final seven non-conference games, after starting career 2 for 13... Shot 3-of-5 from deep at Washington (Nov. 22), totaling nine points... Prior to that performance, had missed 10 consecutive shots over three games... Scored 11 points in collegiate debut at Stanford (Nov. 6).
- #4 Sayeed Pridgett – All-Big Sky Conference first team… Two-time Big Sky Player of the Week (Dec. 31, Feb. 18)... Only player to rank in top 10 of Big Sky play for scoring, shooting, rebounding and assists... Ranks third in Big Sky play for scoring (20.0), fourth for shooting (.511), fourth for assists (4.3) and seventh for rebounding (6.9)… Also ranks fifth for defensive rebounds (5.3); seventh for minutes played (35.6); 10th for assist-to-turnover ratio (1.3); 13th for free-throw percentage (.673); and 13th for steals (1.1)… Has led UM for rebounding 20 times, assists on 19 occasions, scoring in 18 games, steals 13 times and blocked shots in nine contests… Has six double-doubles… Has eight or more points in every game this season, including all but one in double figures… Finished regular season with three straight games with 20-plus points, averaging 25.7 ppg (Feb. 29-March 7)… Nearly recorded third triple-double in school history vs. Idaho State (Feb. 15), coming up one assist shy (24 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists)... Led UM with 24 points in win over Montana State (Feb. 1), scoring eight of team's final 12 points down the stretch... Scored career-high 33 points on 14-of-29 shooting at Weber State (Jan. 25), playing all 45 minutes... Nearly had a triple-double vs. Portland State (Jan. 13), totaling 17 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds... Has three times scored 30 or more points, including 32 at Omaha (Dec. 21) and 30 vs. MSU Northern (Nov. 10)... Led UM for every statistical category in season opener at Stanford (Nov. 6), including 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
- #10 Eddy Egun – Has played in 28 games, averaging 7.8 minutes per contest… Has led UM for blocked shots three times and rebounding twice… Has one rebound for every 4.2 on-court minutes… Played 17 minutes in regular-season finale vs. Southern Utah (March 7), his most since seeing 18 minutes vs. Coppin State (Nov. 29)…. Against the Thunderbirds, converted four-point play while being fouled and making a 3-pointer… Added six rebounds, one of four games with five or more… Scored seven points in 8 minutes against Weber State (Feb. 13), shooting 2-of-2 from the floor while collecting two rebounds and dishing out an assist… After playing 16 minutes through first nine Big Sky contests, played final 15 minutes at Portland State (Jan. 30), leading Griz with seven rebounds, in addition to two steals and six points (2-of-3 from deep)… Played double-figure minutes in seven of season's first eight games… Recorded team-high six rebounds at Washington (Nov. 22), while making back-to-back 3-pointers during 14-3 UM run to tie game… Made collegiate debut at Stanford (Nov. 6), scoring nine points on 2-of-3 shooting from deep in career-high 19 minutes of action.
- #23 Mack Anderson – Has played in every game, earning six starts… Has led UM for blocking team-high 12 times and rebounding twice… Big Sky shooting percentage of .660 would lead league, if he took enough shots to qualify… Has not missed more than three shots in a game once this season… Has six times made four or more field goals in a game… Has scored in double figures three times, including back-to-back games (Feb. 6-8), averaging 12.5 ppg on 10-of-15 shooting… Has at least one block in 16 games, including six in a row from Feb. 13-March 5… Secured multiple rebounds in five straight games from Jan. 25-Feb. 8… Scored career-high 15 points at Idaho (Feb. 8), including 11 UM points in a row to turn second-half deficit into permanent lead... Shot 6-of-8 while pulling down four rebounds... Scored nine points on 3-of-4 shooting at Weber State (Jan. 25), while playing career-high 27 minutes... Made all five shots vs. Portland State (Jan. 13), scoring 10 points, including eight consecutive in second half... Added two blocked shots... Scored eight points on 4-of-5 shooting at Eastern Washington (Jan. 9), scoring six straight Griz points in second half... Had team-high and career-best seven rebounds at Stanford (Nov. 6), also scoring nine points and blocking two shots… Started season making eight shots in first 15 games (1.5 ppg on .320 shooting)… Earned starts in first four games, the first of his career.
- #33 Jared Samuelson – Has earned starts in 20 of last 21 games… Held .603 shooting percentage during Big Sky play, averaging 10.3 ppg (26th)... Over final six games to close regular season (Feb. 15-March 7), averaged 12.5 ppg… Made at least four field goals in all six contests… Has scored in double figures in nine of 10 games when logging 20 or more minutes, compared to zero games when he doesn't reach 20…Has been in double figures for scoring nine times this season and has led UM for scoring in four games… Has also led UM for rebounding four times and blocked shots on four occasions… Has made nearly half of his 3-point attempts (19-of-41, .463), after making one during his freshman season at UM… Has made multiple 3-pointers in four games... Scored team-high 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting at Northern Arizona (Feb. 27)… Had a career night vs. Idaho (Jan. 18), setting personal bests for points (23), minutes (32), field goals made (9), field goals attempted (15) and 3-pointers made (5)... Led Grizzlies with 21 points at Southern Utah (Jan. 2)... Had breakout game against Sacramento State (Dec. 30), scoring 14 points while blocking three shots (career high) and pulling down eight rebounds (career high)… Led UM in all three categories... During 8-0 scoring run to begin second half, recorded three points, three rebounds, two blocked shots, one assist and one steal in just 3:24… In just 10 minutes, scored nine points on 4-of-4 shooting vs. Northern Arizona (Dec. 28)… Played eight minutes at Washington (Nov. 22), his first game action with UM since March 7, 2017... Averaged 3.3 ppg in seven non-conference games… Missed first four games with preseason knee injury.
- #35 Derrick Carter-Hollinger – Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year… Named Big Sky Player of the Week on Jan. 14… Ranks 13th in Big Sky play with 0.9 blocked shots per game… Has led UM for blocked shots nine times and rebounding in six games…Has started last 10 games and 17 times overall… Has scored in double figures eight times… Pulled down five or more rebounds in 17 games, including double-digit totals twice… Closed regular season with back-to-back eight-rebound performances (March 5-7)… In addition to eight boards vs. Northern Colorado, scored 15 points… Totaled seven points (3-of-4 shooting), nine rebounds and five assists (career high) vs. Montana State (Feb. 1)... Played career-high 35 minutes at Portland State (Jan. 30) while scoring 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting... Had 14 blocks in six-game stretch in January (Jan. 9-30), after blocking seven shots through first 15 contests... Made six of seven shots vs. Portland State (Jan. 13), scoring 13 points in 34 minutes off bench... Had career night at Eastern Washington (Jan. 9), leading UM for scoring (20 points) and rebounding (14)... Added career-high four blocked shots in victory... Shot 9-of-12 from field, including 2-for-2 from deep... Scored eight points and pulled down seven rebounds in win over Northern Arizona (Dec. 28)… Made 16-of-22 shot attempts during four-game span (Nov. 25-Dec. 6), averaging 8.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg... Recorded double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) vs. Coppin State (Nov. 29), including four offensive rebounds... Tied for team lead with six rebounds at Washington (Nov. 22)... Made collegiate debut at Stanford (Nov. 6), ranking second on team with 15 points (5-of-6 shooting)... Scored five consecutive Griz points to get UM within a possession in second half.
- Montana has posted a .500 or better record in 12 consecutive seasons and is on the cusp of a fifth 20-win season in six years under Travis DeCuire.
- Montana won back-to-back Big Sky Conference titles in 2018 and 2019 (regular season and tournament). Overall, the program has won the Big Sky regular season 12 times and the tournament on 11 occasions (first).
- Montana has played in the NCAA tournament in each of the past two seasons and 12 times overall. The Grizzlies' first appearance came in 1975, earning a win over Utah State in the Round of 32 before narrowly falling to John Wooden's final national championship team at UCLA. Montana also was victorious in 2006, knocking off No. 5 seed Nevada. The Grizzlies have also played in the NIT four times and CBI once.
- Montana won 52 games in 2017-18 and 2018-19 combined, the best two-year stretch in school history.
- Over the past eight seasons, Montana has won five regular-season Big Sky titles, finishing runner-up two other times, including this year. The Grizzlies have played in the conference title game eight times in the past 10 years, winning five times.
- Montana won its 1,500th game in February (1,507-1,261), and picked up its 1,000th home win in January. On its home floor, the Grizzlies are 1,004-411 (.710), including 724-250 (.743) inside Dahlberg Arena.
- Notable former head coaches include College Basketball Hall of Famers Jud Heathcote and Mike Montgomery, in addition to Montana alums Blaine Taylor, Larry Krystkowiak and Wayne Tinkle.
- Krystkowiak is Montana's all-time leading scorer (2,017) and rebounder (1,105). He is one of 123 Division I players in NCAA history with more than 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds.
- Montana has had seven NBA Draft picks, including first-round selections Michael Ray Richardson and Lee Johnson. More than a dozen former players are actively playing professionally across the globe.
🏀 TIME TO BALL! 🏀
— Big Sky MBB (@BigSkyMBB) March 8, 2020
The four-day, 10-game #BigSkyMBB Championship tips off Wednesday!
Visit https://t.co/vWQKeh2ni7 for more information on next week's championship! #BigSkyInBoise pic.twitter.com/vs3QKcFbkw
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