Monday, February 7
Missoula, Mont.
7 PM
Montana
16-8, 9-4BSC
78
vs
67
Southern Utah
15-7, 9-3BSC
1
2
F
Southern Utah
29
38
67
Montana
30
48
78
Photo by: Tommy Martino
Grizzlies stay perfect at home, take down preseason favorites
2/7/2022 10:12:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MISSOULA, Mont. – Following back-to-back road losses, Montana got back on track in a big way Monday night, beating preseason favorite Southern Utah, 78-67. The win is big from a standings purpose, as the Thunderbirds entered the night one spot ahead of the Griz in a loaded top-half of the league, but also helped the Grizzlies remain unbeaten inside Dahlberg Arena, improving to 12-0 on the season, with 14 consecutive wins since February 2021.
Southern Utah entered the night leading the Big Sky for scoring, averaging 79.8 points per game, which ranked 21st nationally coming in. The Grizzlies' top-ranked defense won out, though, holding the Thunderbirds 13 points below their season average.
Southern Utah had reached 75 or more points in all but five games this season, but was held under that number for the first time since December, as the Thunderbirds shot just .389 from the floor. Fifth-year starter Dre Marin, who came in averaging 11.3 points per game, was held to zero points on 0-of-5 shooting. All-conference guard John Knight III, who averages 14.7 points per game, was held in check with nine points compared to five turnovers.
In addition to the Grizzlies' defense, Montana also benefited from sophomore Josh Bannan.
After being held to just five points and three shot attempts in a road loss at Idaho State, Bannan came out determined. He reached double figures just 13 minutes into the game and finished the night with a career-high 26 points, in addition to eight rebound and two blocked shots.
Junior forward Derrick Carter-Hollinger swished a corner 3-pointer in front of the Thunderbirds' bench to put Montana back on top, and kept them on in front with two blocks on the final defensive possession of the first half.
On the night, Montana held a lead for more than 31 minutes, compared to just 4:40 for the visitors. In addition to Bannan, Beasley (13), junior Lonnell Martin (11) and Whitney (10) were in double figures for scoring, with Beasley adding five assists, Martin totaling six rebounds and several clutch 3-pointers, and Whitney stealing three passes.
Montana remains busy this week, hosting Northern Arizona (Thursday) and Sacramento State (Saturday). Five of the Grizzlies' final seven games are at home.
Southern Utah entered the night leading the Big Sky for scoring, averaging 79.8 points per game, which ranked 21st nationally coming in. The Grizzlies' top-ranked defense won out, though, holding the Thunderbirds 13 points below their season average.
Southern Utah had reached 75 or more points in all but five games this season, but was held under that number for the first time since December, as the Thunderbirds shot just .389 from the floor. Fifth-year starter Dre Marin, who came in averaging 11.3 points per game, was held to zero points on 0-of-5 shooting. All-conference guard John Knight III, who averages 14.7 points per game, was held in check with nine points compared to five turnovers.
In addition to the Grizzlies' defense, Montana also benefited from sophomore Josh Bannan.
After being held to just five points and three shot attempts in a road loss at Idaho State, Bannan came out determined. He reached double figures just 13 minutes into the game and finished the night with a career-high 26 points, in addition to eight rebound and two blocked shots.
Montana led for more than 16 minutes of the first half, using a 9-1 run on 6-of-7 shooting – while holding Southern Utah to an 0-for-7 stint – to build a 23-15 lead. The Thunderbirds responded late, though, using a 9-0 run to take a brief 27-25 lead, after making six field goals in a 5-minute stretch, after being held to five makes over the game's first 14 minutes.Quick handles for Bannan!
— Montana Griz Basketball (@MontanaGrizBB) February 8, 2022
💻: https://t.co/pmLdUVuGnO #GrizHoops #BigSkyMBB #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/naUqE5yYmx
Junior forward Derrick Carter-Hollinger swished a corner 3-pointer in front of the Thunderbirds' bench to put Montana back on top, and kept them on in front with two blocks on the final defensive possession of the first half.
One of Montana's only deficits of the second half came at 35-32, but the Grizzlies quickly responded with an 11-2 run, including six straight points in just 21 seconds. Senior Cameron Parker connected on an and-1 before sophomore Brandon Whitney stole a pass, fed it up the court to Parker and then back to sophomore Robby Beasley III for a long 3-pointer. One possession later, it was Parker again who stole a pass and parted the seas for two more points.DJ CARTER-HOLLINGER FOR 3
— Montana Griz Basketball (@MontanaGrizBB) February 8, 2022
💻:https://t.co/pmLdUVuGnO #GrizHoops #BigSkyMBB #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/O18Bl0AylR
The game was twice cut to a single possession before Montana recaptured momentum. The Grizzlies led by as many as 14 points, and did not trail over the final 15:50.Beasley puts it up for 3!
— Montana Griz Basketball (@MontanaGrizBB) February 8, 2022
💻: https://t.co/pmLdUVuGnO #GrizHoops #BigSkyMBB #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/8ILBXha75v
On the night, Montana held a lead for more than 31 minutes, compared to just 4:40 for the visitors. In addition to Bannan, Beasley (13), junior Lonnell Martin (11) and Whitney (10) were in double figures for scoring, with Beasley adding five assists, Martin totaling six rebounds and several clutch 3-pointers, and Whitney stealing three passes.
Montana remains busy this week, hosting Northern Arizona (Thursday) and Sacramento State (Saturday). Five of the Grizzlies' final seven games are at home.
Lonnell Martin is Mr. Clutch tonight!!
— Montana Griz Basketball (@MontanaGrizBB) February 8, 2022
💻: https://t.co/pmLdUVuGnO #GrizHoops #BigSkyMBB #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/he3laWoMYL
Team Stats
SUU
UM
FG%
.389
.446
3FG%
.294
.313
FT%
.769
.852
RB
36
33
TO
12
9
STL
4
5
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
26
FGM
9
3FGM
0
FTM
8
Pts
13
FGM
2
3FGM
1
FTM
8
Pts
11
FGM
4
3FGM
3
FTM
0
Pts
10
FGM
4
3FGM
0
FTM
2
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
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