WILDCAT said:
Lets get it on
:rockon: :rockon: GO WILDCATS :rockon: :rockon:
I believe UM is gonna try a white out the Wildcats night, how nice of Montana to fill thier arena with one of our colors :-D
That is very Bengals of the Grizz to do.
It's going to be interesting. I wish this game wasn't being played on a Tuesday night. I would definitely be up there in Missoula if it wasn't. Oh well...I'm really worried about the refs assigned to this game. I'm hoping that Casas, the old man, and the bowling ball are all sent to other venues. I would be alright with Bob, Buzz Cut, and Fernando the Bull Fighter (even though he kinda screwed over USU, at the Y, last year, when he called Wesley for a Tech in the closing moments of a close game). KEEP CURRY IN IDAHO and as far away from this game as humanly possible.
I'm thinking that Weber will have a surprise or two up their sleeves for Montana.
PG: Cherry vs. Lillard...Advantage CATS. Cherry is the second best PG in the league.
SG: Jamaar vs. Bamforth...Slight advantage CATS. Bamforth has more experience than Jamaar and is a lot quicker than some realize. He is faster out of the two. Also, he is far more consistent from the Arch and at creating his own shot. I'm not trashing Jamarr. He is a hell of a good player, and is a solid 2nd teamer this season. He is a better rebounder than Bamforth. Passing, he might have the edge too, but Bamforth isn't bad at rebounding or passing and they both play solid defense. A huge difference between the two is that Bamforth can QB the team and run the offense. Another bonus that Jamaar isn't quite as solid on yet. Only one reason why he is a 2nd teamer, Bamforth is the 1st teamers.
SF: Steward vs. Bull...Advantage Grizz. I hate to do this, even though Bull has gotten better, he still isn't at 100% and probably won't be for the rest of the season. Yes, he has had solid moments since his injury, but he isn't consistent. Against UNCO last week for one, Bull was starting to look like himself. One tough SOB who can hit big shots and change momentum. As stated, he is still tough as nails and probably the most physical player on the floor at any given time, hard to do since Mahoney is often on the floor at the same time. However, one HUGE reason why the Grizz have been consistent and good this year is Art Steward. Cherry, Selvig, and Jamaar get most of the attention, but I think Steward is the true game changer. He has all the components needed in a SF. He has speed, can create, has an outside and inside game, and plays solid defense. He isn't as good of a rebounder as Bull, but offensively, he is extremely important and has the ability to really open up and spread out opposing defenses with his abilities. Also, he plays far better at home than on the road. Yet, if Tinkle tries to have Steward guard Lillard again, he will be on the bench early. He isn't quick enough. That was a huge mistake by Tinkle. I think Rahe should start three guards again. That causes huge problems for the Grizz. They aren't quick enough.
PF: Selvig vs. Mahoney...Slight Advantage Grizz (because they are at home). Selvig is a finesse player, while Mahoney is a bruiser. Selvig hates going up against Mahone. Mahoney is physical and guards him expertly. These two don't have any animosity towards one another off the court, but when they hit the hardwood it is a war. Sometimes, it seems like Selvig is running for his life, but Selvig can do it all if he is feeling it. If Mahoney can knock him off his game, it could be a long night for the Grizz. They depend sooo much on the intangibles that Selvig provides. Spreading the defense for one and his excellent passing abilities. But toughness isn't something he is known for, and toughness could be the difference especially on the boards. In Ogden Selvig wouldn't go for rebounds when Mook was in the game. I really think he was scared of Mook. Too bad he isn't available. However, Mahoney is a great rebouder and solid defender. Those are Mahones strong suits. Also, bad for the Grizz, Mahoney knows how to guard Selvig. He knows how to limit Selvigs game. Nevertheless, like Steward, Selvig plays far better at home than on the road.
C: Ward vs. Tres....Advantage Draw. This comes down to whoever wants it more. Tres is quickly becoming a dominant big, but Ward shots a high percentage and is one tough SOB. Tres, as much as I like him, needs to hit the boards harder. I like his effort and he is getting better at rebounding, but he isn't there yet. Offensively and defensively, he has the ability to totally own Ward. Ward, though, is one physical guy.
Bench...Advantage WEBER. This could be the difference maker. Wheels, Rich, Fulton, bring a lot more in terms of athleticism, offensive consistency, toughness, and speed than what UM has to offer. Mook and Hajek would be great additions, but they aren't going to be there so...The key, keep our bigs out of foul trouble and on the floor. But if Weber has to go small, that might not be in UM's favor. Too much speed has doomed UM in other games. USF???