grizzlyjournal
Well-known member
The Montana Griz WBB won its first 2019-20 road game, 71-69 over Cal Fullerton in the Fullerton Titan Classic Sunday.
It was a fun game to watch for several reasons, as the Griz played a power game in the paint in the first half, maintained a steady 11-15 point lead through the second quarter, and led 39-28 at halftime. The Titans responded with a tight zone second half defense, made 5-9 second half treys (compared to 2-9 in the first half) and steadly cut into Montana's lead before taking a 3-pt, 64-61 lead with just under 4 minutes remaining.
What often happens when an opponent rallies, the Griz got cautious, despite shooting at a consistent 45-47 percent from the field. The only real problem, however, was at the free throw line, where Montana missed 10 of 16 second-half free throws. The Titans responded by fouling even more (particularly in the paint), including a couple of hard hits on Griz shooters. So, despite going to the FT line for 28 shots, the Griz made only 16.
This time, after losing a late lead, Montana recovered & responded. Sophia Stiles nailed a long trey to tie the game at 64 and then Taylor Goligoski gave Montana the lead for good at 70-69 with a quick-release trey with just over a minute left. Stiles made 1 of 2 free throws with 15 seconds left & the last Titan shot was off-mark.
The good: Montana got solid double-digit minutes from 8-of the 9 rostered players, and all 9 scored. Four players notched double-digits in scoring: Stiles-13, Goligoski -11, McKenzie Johnston - 15, and frosh post Jamie Pickens, who played a powerful first half, at 11. Emma Stockholm scored 8, but notably played an outstanding defensive game against taller players, and had a key steal in the final minute that was instrumental in the win. Eighteen assists to 15 turnovers. An offense that's showing some glimmer. Johnston, Stiles and Goligoski had outstanding floor games.
The bad: Nothing from my perspective. These kids are getting better game by game. It was a fun game to watch.
It was a fun game to watch for several reasons, as the Griz played a power game in the paint in the first half, maintained a steady 11-15 point lead through the second quarter, and led 39-28 at halftime. The Titans responded with a tight zone second half defense, made 5-9 second half treys (compared to 2-9 in the first half) and steadly cut into Montana's lead before taking a 3-pt, 64-61 lead with just under 4 minutes remaining.
What often happens when an opponent rallies, the Griz got cautious, despite shooting at a consistent 45-47 percent from the field. The only real problem, however, was at the free throw line, where Montana missed 10 of 16 second-half free throws. The Titans responded by fouling even more (particularly in the paint), including a couple of hard hits on Griz shooters. So, despite going to the FT line for 28 shots, the Griz made only 16.
This time, after losing a late lead, Montana recovered & responded. Sophia Stiles nailed a long trey to tie the game at 64 and then Taylor Goligoski gave Montana the lead for good at 70-69 with a quick-release trey with just over a minute left. Stiles made 1 of 2 free throws with 15 seconds left & the last Titan shot was off-mark.
The good: Montana got solid double-digit minutes from 8-of the 9 rostered players, and all 9 scored. Four players notched double-digits in scoring: Stiles-13, Goligoski -11, McKenzie Johnston - 15, and frosh post Jamie Pickens, who played a powerful first half, at 11. Emma Stockholm scored 8, but notably played an outstanding defensive game against taller players, and had a key steal in the final minute that was instrumental in the win. Eighteen assists to 15 turnovers. An offense that's showing some glimmer. Johnston, Stiles and Goligoski had outstanding floor games.
The bad: Nothing from my perspective. These kids are getting better game by game. It was a fun game to watch.
