Bobcat Game Notes vs. UM
1/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
MONTANA STATE (7-8/2-0) at Montana (7-8/1-1)
Fresh off its most successful conference road trip in three years, Montana State makes its shortest -- and most difficult -- trek this weekend, playing at in-state rival Montana. The Bobcats have lost two straight and four of their last five in Dahlberg Arena, and face a Grizzly team coached by former UM star Larry Krystkowiak and led by sharpshooting guard Kevin Criswell. Montana opened the league season by hammering Idaho State in Pocatello last week.
GAME FACTS
TIP @ UM 7:35 pm MST
SITE Missoula, MT
ARENA Dahlberg Arena
RADIO Bobcat Network/Kris Atteberry
TV MTN Stations
HIGHLIGHTS
* Montana State was 34th in the nation in three-point field goals per game (8.1) in the most recent ratings (1/3/05), and leads the Big Sky in that category
* MSU turned the ball over a season-low 8 times at Weber State last Thursday
* The Bobcats shot 50% in both games last weekend, its best shooting games away from Worthington Arena this season
STREAKS
* MSU has hit at least five treys in all 15 games this year
* The Bobcats have won four straight home games
* MSU has answered its seven-game road losing streak by winning two straight on the road
NOTEWORTHY
* Montana State’s wins at Idaho State and Weber State marked the team’s first road sweep since January 11-12, 2002, at Portland State and Eastern
* Mick Durham’s teams have won six league road sweeps during his 15 seasons, the same number for which his four immediate predecessors combined from 1971-90
* The ‘Cats have shot 50% or better in three of the last four games, all wins, and are 5-0 when hitting at least half of their field goal attempts
* Montana State is second in the league in field goal defense (42.7%), trailing only this week’s opponent, Montana (42.4%)
The Bobcats The Grizzlies
‘04-05 RECORD 7-8 7-8
Home/Road/Neu 5-2/2-5/0-1 5-1/2-7/0-0
Conf./Record Big Sky/2-0 Big Sky/1-1
HEAD COACH Mick Durham Larry Krystkowiak
Alma Mater MSU/’80 Montana/’96
Overall/Years 224-191/15th 7-8/1st
At School/Years same same
vs Opponent vs. UM: 12-19 vs. MSU: 0-0
Hm/Rd/Neu 8-7/3-11/1-1 0-0/0-0/0-0
SCHOOL INFO
Spirit colors Blue, gold Maroon, silver
Location Bozeman, MT Missoula, MT
Enrollment 12,000 13,352
Arena Worthington Dahlberg
SERIES CAPSULES
MSU vs. Montana 141-128 (89-41/47-80/5-7)
THIS WEEK
From Bobcat Coach Mick Durham
On Montana: “Montana is a very balanced team, and a very experienced team. Kevin Criswell is playing very well, he can really score, and their young point guard Matt Martin can score from anywhere. Both their big kids are playing very well, especiallly defensively. We have to be very careful with their shooters. Montana is a capable, talented team that was picked to win our league by a lot of preseason publications, so we know the kind of team we’ll be playing on Saturday.” On the Bobcats: “The last few seconds of regulation and the overtime were really neat for me to watch. Al Beye made a great play to block that shot, then when we were in the huddle before the overtime I saw a bunch of guys that were excited. They were flat-out determined to go out and win, and they played that way during the overtime. Having Matt Towsley back is important to this team, because we can stay big inside even if we run into foul trouble. This team has decent depth. We’re playing all 11 players, and they’re all contributing. I think that kept us fresh late in those two road games.”
NOTING THE GRIZZLIES
Montana’s Kevin Criswell is seventh in the Big Sky in scoring (13.3), 13th in rebounding (4.6), 10th in three-point shooting (.358), and 10th in three-pointers made (1.7)... Montana leads the league in field goal defense (.424) and three-point defense (.293)... the Grizzlies are the second-best three-point percentage team in the league (.360)... UM leads the Big Sky in rebounds (36.5)... the Grizzlies are 5-1 at home this season
SCOPING THE BOBCATS
Last Time Out
The Bobcats capped their first road sweep in three years with a 74-66 overtime win at Idaho State. MSU, led by Marvin Moss’ 23 points, shot 50% for the second straight game, and fought ISU to even on the boards (33-to-33).
Three After Three
MSU has hit at least one three-pointer in the last 317 games. From 1986 to late ‘92-93 MSU rolled up 197 straight games with a trey, giving MSU at least one three in 514 of the last 515 games.
The Three Company
This year’s Bobcat team has not been afraid to cast away from three-point range. MSU has hit 8.1 treys a game, easily the best rate in the Big Sky, and have attempted 352 three-pointers, also the most in the conference. MSU tied school records by hitting 14 and attempting 35 three-pointers against Wyoming.
The Magic Number
The Bobcats are 105-15 when scoring at least 80 points since ‘93-94.
Rebounding Renaissance
MSU was outrebounded 39-to-31 in the season’s first six games, but outrebounded the next eight opponents 35-to-34. The ‘Cats have been even or positive in rebounding in five of the last nine games.
Window Cleaners
Marvin Moss’ consistency and the return of Al Beye have spurred MSU’s rebounding rejuvenation. Moss has led the ‘Cats in boards 13 times, averaging 6.9 a game, while Beye has 5.3 in his six games.
Road Warriors
Montana State’s league-opening road sweep was a significant event for MSU. It was the team’s first road sweep in three years, and Mick Durham’s sixth road sweep as head coach.
The Dakar Dunker
Al Beye has 11 dunks and 14 blocked shots in his six games. He missed MSU’s first nine with a knee injury.
Mick’s Milestones
Mick Durham owns a pair of Big Sky records that are likely to stand the test of time. Durham’s Bobcats have won 224 games, the most in conference history. His win total includes 109 conference tilts, also a league best.
Turning Back the Clock
Freshman guard Casey Durham made his first career start at Nebraska, getting six points, four assists, and three boards. It was 28 years earlier that his father Mick, MSU’s head coach, made his first career start down Highway 77 at Kansas.
Turning Down Turnovers
After averaging 18.2 turnovers in the first five games, MSU has 13.3 in the last eight.
More D-D-D-Defense
Since Washington State shot 52% in the first half in the season opener, MSU has held its opponent to below 50% shooting in 24 of the 30 halves.
Ch-ch-ch-changes
In MSU’s game at Nebraska, redshirt freshman guard Casey Durham and four junior college transfers started. None of those five starters were in MSU’s program a year ago.
Where the Action Is
The ‘Cats have taken 43% (352) of their 847 field goal attempts beyond the three-point circle, and 38% (363) of MSU’s 991 points come on long-range launches.
Swattin’
Montana State has 52 blocks this year after getting 73 a year ago. Taylor Pratt (20) already has more than the team leader in 2003-04 or 2002-03.
ONE-LINERS
On the Offense...
Montana State has shot 50% from the field five times this season, including the last two straight, but has been held below 40% six times... the Bobcats shot 73% from the line at San Jose State and 74% against UNC, the only times this year over 70%... while Al Beye and Dennis Woodall are shooting 24% (6-for-26) from the line, the rest of the team is 68% (135-for-198)... the Bobcats averaged 17.7 turnovers a game in the first seven outings, but have reduced the season average to 15.8.
On the Defense...
Only CSU and UWGB -- in back-to-back games -- have shot better than 50% against the ‘Cats... the Bobcats are second in the Big Sky in field goal defense at 43%... MSU’s first four opponents made only 18 three-pointers... Wisconsin-Green Bay hit only three triples... the ‘Cats have averaged 4.2 blocks a game since Al Beye joined the starting lineup... the Bobcats have 31 steals in the last four games... MSU’s two 20-turnover games came against Washington State of the Pac 10 and Nebraska of the Big 12.
Lineup Notes
Montana State used five different starting lineups in the team’s 13-game non-conference schedule, but has started each of the two league games the same way... Nick Dissly, who missed the NU game, was the last player to start every game at the same position... Branden Miller and Marvin Moss are the only Bobcats to start each game... MSU has used four different starting centers... two different Bobcats have started at at both guard positions... MSU is 7-6 since Ja’Ron Jefferson joined the starting lineup.
#3 Casey Durham, G
Made his only start at Nebraska... has hit at least one three-pointer in 13 straight games... third in the Big Sky in three-point percentage (.438), ninth in three-pointers per game (1.87)... posted career scoring highs in back-to-back games (MSU-Northern and UNC)... second on the team with 28 three-point field goals and 64 attempts... hit a huge triple in overtime at ISU
#4 Branden Miller, G
Montana State’s leading scorer (13.3) and assist man (3.4)... 113 of his 181 field goal attempts (62%) are from outside the circle... either scored (10) or assisted on (5) 15 of MSU’s 28 baskets against UWGB, getting 25 points, seven boards, and five assists in that game... matched his career-high with seven boards at Nebraska... 8th in the Big Sky in scoring, 7th in assists, 8th in steals (1.3), 3rd in three-pointers (2.4)
#5 Dennis Woodall, F
Started four straight non-conference games... scored 17 points as a starter in a three-game stretch against UWGB/MSUN/UNC, 12 points in the six games before that... had his first two-steal game against Northern... shooting 35% from the field, 39% from the line... played 21 minutes at Idaho State
#12 Ryan Holmes, G
Saw season-high 17 minutes at Nebraska... scored his first two points on a pair of free throws against Northern, and hit his first field goal against UNC... 6-for-24 from the field this year... has six assists
#20 Carson Durr, F
A versatile perimeter player... hit a big jumper in the second half against Idaho State, and has baskets in three of the last four games after a seven-game drought... hasn’t hit a three in the last 13 outings... season-high three boards in back-to-back games (Tech/Nebr)... a good defender and passer
#22 Nick Dissly, F
Missed the NU game with an ankle injury... hit 39 threes last year, the second-best freshman season in school history... was 4-for-7 from the arc against UVSC, but in the other eight games is 13-for-51... had a season-high six assists against Wyoming... had three steals against Green Bay... 8th in the Big Sky in assists (2.8)
#23 Ja’Ron Jefferson, G
Averaging 11 points since joining the starting lineup after getting just two points in the first two games... scored only seven points combined in 2 games vs Utah Valley... scored career-high 25 against MSUN... 1-for-8 shooting in the first two games, 51-for-98 since... career highs of 25 points, four assists and five steals against MSUN... has led the ‘Cats in scoring three times... had two steals in the last four straight
#33 Taylor Pratt, F
Had a string of six straight games with at least one blocked shot snapped at Nebraska... leads the team with 20 blocked shots... netted his first field goal against UVSC at home, but has only two in the last six games... blocked four shots against MSUN, with career-high eight boards
#42 Marvin Moss, F
Leads the team in boards (6.9), second in scoring (12.7)... shooting 29-for-51 (57%) in the last five games... has led the Bobcats in rebounds in 13 of the 15 games... has two double-doubles, and one other game with double-digit rebounds... Big Sky POW 1/10
#52 Matt Towsley, C
Returned for the first conference weekend after missing seven straight (back)... had at least four boards in the first three games, but only nine in the last five... blocked two Weber State shots... team-high six blocks... shooting just 36% from the floor
#55 Al Beye, C
Missed the first nine games with a knee injuiry... made his Bobcat debut with eight points and six boards in the home win over San Jose State... followed that with 14 points, nine boards, and four blocks at Utah Valley... leads the team in shooting (65%)... second on the team with 14 blocks in just six games, and in rebounds (5.3)
Fresh off its most successful conference road trip in three years, Montana State makes its shortest -- and most difficult -- trek this weekend, playing at in-state rival Montana. The Bobcats have lost two straight and four of their last five in Dahlberg Arena, and face a Grizzly team coached by former UM star Larry Krystkowiak and led by sharpshooting guard Kevin Criswell. Montana opened the league season by hammering Idaho State in Pocatello last week.
GAME FACTS
TIP @ UM 7:35 pm MST
SITE Missoula, MT
ARENA Dahlberg Arena
RADIO Bobcat Network/Kris Atteberry
TV MTN Stations
HIGHLIGHTS
* Montana State was 34th in the nation in three-point field goals per game (8.1) in the most recent ratings (1/3/05), and leads the Big Sky in that category
* MSU turned the ball over a season-low 8 times at Weber State last Thursday
* The Bobcats shot 50% in both games last weekend, its best shooting games away from Worthington Arena this season
STREAKS
* MSU has hit at least five treys in all 15 games this year
* The Bobcats have won four straight home games
* MSU has answered its seven-game road losing streak by winning two straight on the road
NOTEWORTHY
* Montana State’s wins at Idaho State and Weber State marked the team’s first road sweep since January 11-12, 2002, at Portland State and Eastern
* Mick Durham’s teams have won six league road sweeps during his 15 seasons, the same number for which his four immediate predecessors combined from 1971-90
* The ‘Cats have shot 50% or better in three of the last four games, all wins, and are 5-0 when hitting at least half of their field goal attempts
* Montana State is second in the league in field goal defense (42.7%), trailing only this week’s opponent, Montana (42.4%)
The Bobcats The Grizzlies
‘04-05 RECORD 7-8 7-8
Home/Road/Neu 5-2/2-5/0-1 5-1/2-7/0-0
Conf./Record Big Sky/2-0 Big Sky/1-1
HEAD COACH Mick Durham Larry Krystkowiak
Alma Mater MSU/’80 Montana/’96
Overall/Years 224-191/15th 7-8/1st
At School/Years same same
vs Opponent vs. UM: 12-19 vs. MSU: 0-0
Hm/Rd/Neu 8-7/3-11/1-1 0-0/0-0/0-0
SCHOOL INFO
Spirit colors Blue, gold Maroon, silver
Location Bozeman, MT Missoula, MT
Enrollment 12,000 13,352
Arena Worthington Dahlberg
SERIES CAPSULES
MSU vs. Montana 141-128 (89-41/47-80/5-7)
THIS WEEK
From Bobcat Coach Mick Durham
On Montana: “Montana is a very balanced team, and a very experienced team. Kevin Criswell is playing very well, he can really score, and their young point guard Matt Martin can score from anywhere. Both their big kids are playing very well, especiallly defensively. We have to be very careful with their shooters. Montana is a capable, talented team that was picked to win our league by a lot of preseason publications, so we know the kind of team we’ll be playing on Saturday.” On the Bobcats: “The last few seconds of regulation and the overtime were really neat for me to watch. Al Beye made a great play to block that shot, then when we were in the huddle before the overtime I saw a bunch of guys that were excited. They were flat-out determined to go out and win, and they played that way during the overtime. Having Matt Towsley back is important to this team, because we can stay big inside even if we run into foul trouble. This team has decent depth. We’re playing all 11 players, and they’re all contributing. I think that kept us fresh late in those two road games.”
NOTING THE GRIZZLIES
Montana’s Kevin Criswell is seventh in the Big Sky in scoring (13.3), 13th in rebounding (4.6), 10th in three-point shooting (.358), and 10th in three-pointers made (1.7)... Montana leads the league in field goal defense (.424) and three-point defense (.293)... the Grizzlies are the second-best three-point percentage team in the league (.360)... UM leads the Big Sky in rebounds (36.5)... the Grizzlies are 5-1 at home this season
SCOPING THE BOBCATS
Last Time Out
The Bobcats capped their first road sweep in three years with a 74-66 overtime win at Idaho State. MSU, led by Marvin Moss’ 23 points, shot 50% for the second straight game, and fought ISU to even on the boards (33-to-33).
Three After Three
MSU has hit at least one three-pointer in the last 317 games. From 1986 to late ‘92-93 MSU rolled up 197 straight games with a trey, giving MSU at least one three in 514 of the last 515 games.
The Three Company
This year’s Bobcat team has not been afraid to cast away from three-point range. MSU has hit 8.1 treys a game, easily the best rate in the Big Sky, and have attempted 352 three-pointers, also the most in the conference. MSU tied school records by hitting 14 and attempting 35 three-pointers against Wyoming.
The Magic Number
The Bobcats are 105-15 when scoring at least 80 points since ‘93-94.
Rebounding Renaissance
MSU was outrebounded 39-to-31 in the season’s first six games, but outrebounded the next eight opponents 35-to-34. The ‘Cats have been even or positive in rebounding in five of the last nine games.
Window Cleaners
Marvin Moss’ consistency and the return of Al Beye have spurred MSU’s rebounding rejuvenation. Moss has led the ‘Cats in boards 13 times, averaging 6.9 a game, while Beye has 5.3 in his six games.
Road Warriors
Montana State’s league-opening road sweep was a significant event for MSU. It was the team’s first road sweep in three years, and Mick Durham’s sixth road sweep as head coach.
The Dakar Dunker
Al Beye has 11 dunks and 14 blocked shots in his six games. He missed MSU’s first nine with a knee injury.
Mick’s Milestones
Mick Durham owns a pair of Big Sky records that are likely to stand the test of time. Durham’s Bobcats have won 224 games, the most in conference history. His win total includes 109 conference tilts, also a league best.
Turning Back the Clock
Freshman guard Casey Durham made his first career start at Nebraska, getting six points, four assists, and three boards. It was 28 years earlier that his father Mick, MSU’s head coach, made his first career start down Highway 77 at Kansas.
Turning Down Turnovers
After averaging 18.2 turnovers in the first five games, MSU has 13.3 in the last eight.
More D-D-D-Defense
Since Washington State shot 52% in the first half in the season opener, MSU has held its opponent to below 50% shooting in 24 of the 30 halves.
Ch-ch-ch-changes
In MSU’s game at Nebraska, redshirt freshman guard Casey Durham and four junior college transfers started. None of those five starters were in MSU’s program a year ago.
Where the Action Is
The ‘Cats have taken 43% (352) of their 847 field goal attempts beyond the three-point circle, and 38% (363) of MSU’s 991 points come on long-range launches.
Swattin’
Montana State has 52 blocks this year after getting 73 a year ago. Taylor Pratt (20) already has more than the team leader in 2003-04 or 2002-03.
ONE-LINERS
On the Offense...
Montana State has shot 50% from the field five times this season, including the last two straight, but has been held below 40% six times... the Bobcats shot 73% from the line at San Jose State and 74% against UNC, the only times this year over 70%... while Al Beye and Dennis Woodall are shooting 24% (6-for-26) from the line, the rest of the team is 68% (135-for-198)... the Bobcats averaged 17.7 turnovers a game in the first seven outings, but have reduced the season average to 15.8.
On the Defense...
Only CSU and UWGB -- in back-to-back games -- have shot better than 50% against the ‘Cats... the Bobcats are second in the Big Sky in field goal defense at 43%... MSU’s first four opponents made only 18 three-pointers... Wisconsin-Green Bay hit only three triples... the ‘Cats have averaged 4.2 blocks a game since Al Beye joined the starting lineup... the Bobcats have 31 steals in the last four games... MSU’s two 20-turnover games came against Washington State of the Pac 10 and Nebraska of the Big 12.
Lineup Notes
Montana State used five different starting lineups in the team’s 13-game non-conference schedule, but has started each of the two league games the same way... Nick Dissly, who missed the NU game, was the last player to start every game at the same position... Branden Miller and Marvin Moss are the only Bobcats to start each game... MSU has used four different starting centers... two different Bobcats have started at at both guard positions... MSU is 7-6 since Ja’Ron Jefferson joined the starting lineup.
#3 Casey Durham, G
Made his only start at Nebraska... has hit at least one three-pointer in 13 straight games... third in the Big Sky in three-point percentage (.438), ninth in three-pointers per game (1.87)... posted career scoring highs in back-to-back games (MSU-Northern and UNC)... second on the team with 28 three-point field goals and 64 attempts... hit a huge triple in overtime at ISU
#4 Branden Miller, G
Montana State’s leading scorer (13.3) and assist man (3.4)... 113 of his 181 field goal attempts (62%) are from outside the circle... either scored (10) or assisted on (5) 15 of MSU’s 28 baskets against UWGB, getting 25 points, seven boards, and five assists in that game... matched his career-high with seven boards at Nebraska... 8th in the Big Sky in scoring, 7th in assists, 8th in steals (1.3), 3rd in three-pointers (2.4)
#5 Dennis Woodall, F
Started four straight non-conference games... scored 17 points as a starter in a three-game stretch against UWGB/MSUN/UNC, 12 points in the six games before that... had his first two-steal game against Northern... shooting 35% from the field, 39% from the line... played 21 minutes at Idaho State
#12 Ryan Holmes, G
Saw season-high 17 minutes at Nebraska... scored his first two points on a pair of free throws against Northern, and hit his first field goal against UNC... 6-for-24 from the field this year... has six assists
#20 Carson Durr, F
A versatile perimeter player... hit a big jumper in the second half against Idaho State, and has baskets in three of the last four games after a seven-game drought... hasn’t hit a three in the last 13 outings... season-high three boards in back-to-back games (Tech/Nebr)... a good defender and passer
#22 Nick Dissly, F
Missed the NU game with an ankle injury... hit 39 threes last year, the second-best freshman season in school history... was 4-for-7 from the arc against UVSC, but in the other eight games is 13-for-51... had a season-high six assists against Wyoming... had three steals against Green Bay... 8th in the Big Sky in assists (2.8)
#23 Ja’Ron Jefferson, G
Averaging 11 points since joining the starting lineup after getting just two points in the first two games... scored only seven points combined in 2 games vs Utah Valley... scored career-high 25 against MSUN... 1-for-8 shooting in the first two games, 51-for-98 since... career highs of 25 points, four assists and five steals against MSUN... has led the ‘Cats in scoring three times... had two steals in the last four straight
#33 Taylor Pratt, F
Had a string of six straight games with at least one blocked shot snapped at Nebraska... leads the team with 20 blocked shots... netted his first field goal against UVSC at home, but has only two in the last six games... blocked four shots against MSUN, with career-high eight boards
#42 Marvin Moss, F
Leads the team in boards (6.9), second in scoring (12.7)... shooting 29-for-51 (57%) in the last five games... has led the Bobcats in rebounds in 13 of the 15 games... has two double-doubles, and one other game with double-digit rebounds... Big Sky POW 1/10
#52 Matt Towsley, C
Returned for the first conference weekend after missing seven straight (back)... had at least four boards in the first three games, but only nine in the last five... blocked two Weber State shots... team-high six blocks... shooting just 36% from the floor
#55 Al Beye, C
Missed the first nine games with a knee injuiry... made his Bobcat debut with eight points and six boards in the home win over San Jose State... followed that with 14 points, nine boards, and four blocks at Utah Valley... leads the team in shooting (65%)... second on the team with 14 blocks in just six games, and in rebounds (5.3)
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
