The Northern Colorado Bears (9-20) travel to Dahlberg Arena to take on the Montana Grizzlies (19-9), the best team in the Big Sky. The game starts at 9:00 pm ET on Saturday, Mar. 5.
The Grizzlies won big over North Dakota 71-46 on Thursday. With 17 points and 12 rebounds, Martin Breunig recorded his 12th double-double this season. The Bears are coming off an ugly 81-63 loss at the hands of Montana State on Thursday. Jordan Davis had a good shooting night, leading the team with 14 points.
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Grizzlies won the first game 73-66. Breunig had a stellar game with 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and three blocks.
The Grizzlies are attempting to build on their records of 19-9 Straight Up (SU) and 13-10-2 Against The Spread (ATS). Opposing teams know they’re in for a battle when they play Montana’s stingy defense. The Grizzlies are one of the top teams when it comes to defense, allowing just 60.4 points per home game. The Grizzlies have really locked down opponents on the defensive end, ranking 40th in the country with a .426 opponent field-goal percentage.
As for their opponent, the Bears have records of 11-16 ATS and 9-20 SU. The last 10 games have really brought out the best of the Bears on the defensive end. They’ve allowed 68.5 points per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 80.5.
In their previous meeting this season, Montana beat Northern Colorado, bringing its SU record to 8-2 over Northern Colorado in their most recent games. With a 7-3 record, the Grizzlies also have the advantage ATS. Montana held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers twice in the last five matchups. On the other side of the court, Northern Colorado never accomplished this feat in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – Mont, ATS Winner – Mont
Notes
Northern Colorado scores an average of just 74.0 points per game (ranked 124th). Montana ranks 61st in points allowed, giving up 67.2 points per game.
Montana won its last game by a 25-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, Northern Colorado is 1-6. Montana is 7-3 in blowouts this season.
The Northern Colorado Bears average 69.5 possessions per game and 1.065 points per possession. The Montana Grizzlies earn fewer possessions with 67.6, but they score more points with 1.076.
The Northern Colorado Bears average an effective field goal percentage of 51.0% this season. The Montana Grizzlies have a dazzling 6-2 record in games where opponents have an eFG% of 51.0% or greater.
On average, the Montana Grizzlies attempt 20.0 three point field goals per game and the Northern Colorado Bears attempt 17.0. In games where they attempt at least 20 three pointers, Montana has a stellar record of 14-3, while Northern Colorado has a subpar record of 2-7.
On average, Northern Colorado forces a turnover rate of 17.7%. When Montana turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a solid 14-6 record.
