Griz set Dahlberg Arena record in season-opening win

Tuesday, November 9

Missoula, Mont.

7:30 PM

Montana

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Dickinson State

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Dickinson State

Montana

Photo by: Tommy Martino

Griz set Dahlberg Arena record in season-opening win

11/9/2021 10:39:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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By: Montana Sports Information

MISSOULA, Mont. – Montana opened its 2021-22 basketball season in historic fashion Tuesday evening, beating Dickinson State, 74-27.

The 27 points allowed were the fewest by a Griz defense since 1977, the fewest at home since 1936 and the fewest ever inside Dahlberg Arena.

"I had been concerned because our offense was ahead of our defense about a month ago, so it was good for us to go out and perform on that side of the ball," eighth-year head coach Travis DeCuire said. "our attention to detail was great tonight, which is one of the most important things in a season-opening game."

Montana got a 3-pointer from junior transfer Lonnell Martin Jr. on its first possession of the game, just 12 seconds into the competition, and never trailed.

Dickinson State's first eight offensive possessions featured five missed shots and three turnovers, as the Blue Hawks were held scoreless until the game's fifth minute. Nearly 9 minutes into the contest, the Grizzlies led 16-2, a lead that extended to 41-13 by the intermission.

In addition to the low point total – Montana's best in nearly 44 years – the Grizzlies held Dickinson State to 22.2 percent shooting (12-of-54), including a 1-for-20 mark from beyond the arc.

"We had held them to 23 percent in the first half, and sometimes, when the score is what it was, it's easy to take the foot off the gas," DeCuire said. "So our goal was to hold them to under 30 (percent in the second half).

After the defense held the Blue Hawks to 23.1-percent shooting in the opening 20 minutes, it got stronger in the second half, limiting them to a 21.4-percent clip.

"We didn't let up," DeCuire said. "I respect the effort and energy that each guy gave us on the floor tonight, and hopefully we can sustain that."

Gallery: (11-9-2021) MBB: vs. Dickinson State (11.9.21)

Offensively, Montana shot 60 percent in the opening half and nearly 50 percent for the game (28-of-57, 49.1 percent). The Grizzlies made 6-of-15 3-point attempts (40.0) and forced the Blue Hawks into 18 turnovers (23 points off turnover).

Montana was led offensively by sophomore forward Josh Bannan, who scored 15 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, despite playing just 21 minutes. Junior Kyle Owens (12 points) was also in double figures, as was junior Derrick Carter-Hollinger (10), who had a strong start to his junior campaign after battling injuries for most of his sophomore season. Senior Mack Anderson recorded three of Montana's nine blocked shots.

"I think offensively our execution was good, and our intent was right," DeCuire said. "To have 19 assists on nine turnovers is a good start. Guys are starting to setting into some roles earlier than normal."

The Grizzlies used a 10-man rotation for most of the game, before Freddy Brown III played the final 8 minutes, knocking down a 3-pointer immediately after getting onto the court, which tripled the score, 63-21.

Tuesday marked Griz debuts for Martin, a transfer from Otero Junior College, and Scott Blakney, a graduate transfer from Idaho.

Montana has now won 18 of its past 22 home openers.

"Tonight was a good start, but Mississippi State is an incredible rebounding team, especially on the offensive glass," DeCuire said of his team's next opponent. "They're going to be big and physical, so we're going to have to adjust from this game to that. It's a good team and a tough task, but I think our guys are ready and excited about the opportunity."

Saturday will be a tough test for the Grizzlies, facing a Mississippi State squad that earned top-25 votes in the preseason AP poll. Tipoff from Starkville, Mississippi, will be at 5 p.m. (MT) on SEC+.