Montana Grizzlies Basketball Action in Missoula MT

The Montana Grizzlies basketball team concluded their regular season with a challenging stretch, playing three games in five days.

 

In their final game on Monday night in Greeley, Colorado, the Grizzlies faced the Northern Colorado Bears and suffered an 85-57 defeat.

 

Both teams ended the season with identical 10-8 records in Big Sky Conference play, setting up a rematch in the upcoming Big Sky Tournament quarterfinals in Boise.

 

The first half of the game was a defensive battle, with both teams shooting under 33%.

 

Northern Colorado held a narrow 27-23 lead at halftime.

 

However, the Bears found their rhythm in the second half, embarking on a 39-12 run that included a remarkable 15-of-18 shooting stretch, pulling away decisively.

 

Freshman Kenyon Aguino provided an early spark for Montana, scoring the team's first four points and finishing with 10 points on 50% shooting.

 

Despite his efforts, the Grizzlies struggled to establish a consistent offensive presence.

 

Head coach Travis DeCuire noted, "Kenyon got off to a good start, 4-for-6 in the first half, but no one else shot for percentage and we never really could get the paint established."

 

He emphasized the need for the team to make open shots, which they failed to do.

 

Montana's defense was effective in the first half, limiting the Bears to 32% shooting.

 

However, the second half saw a significant defensive lapse, allowing Northern Colorado to shoot 66.7% and dominate the period.

 

DeCuire reflected, "We defended as well as we have all year in the first half... Then the defense didn't come out of the locker room."

 

Money Williams led the Grizzlies with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting and grabbed six rebounds.

 

Aguino matched Williams with six rebounds, but no other Montana player reached double figures in scoring.

 

This marked only the second time this season that Montana was held under 60 points and the third time they shot below 40% from the field.

 

Looking ahead, the Grizzlies are set to face Northern Colorado again in the Big Sky Tournament quarterfinals next Monday in Boise.

 

Reflecting on the upcoming rematch, DeCuire stated, "We probably had our best game on both sides of the ball in conference the first time we played them... we just have to make shots."

 

As the tournament approaches, Montana aims to regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead.

 

DeCuire emphasized the importance of mental readiness, saying, "We just have to be clean mentally... We will tighten up and be ready for Boise."