By DAVE GUFFEY for GoGriz.com
THE GAME: The Montana Grizzlies (1-1) play their 2013-14 home opener, hosting the University of San Francisco Dons (2-2) Friday, Nov. 22. Tip-off is at 7:05 p.m. (Mtn.) in UM’s Dahlberg Arena (7,322).
GRIZ LAST TWO GAMES (1-1)
Montana 77, at South Dakota State 69: Montana’s Kareem Jamar recorded a double-double and the Grizzlies made key free throws late in the contest and snapped a long home winning streak by the host team, to register the win over the Jackrabbits. The Griz ended SDSU’s 30-game home winning streak, which was the longest winning skein in Division 1 going into the 2013-14 season.
At Minnesota 84, Montana 58: Minnesota’s three starting guards combined for 50 points to lead the Gophers to the win. Jamar was the Grizzlies’ only player in double figures with 18 points, and he also led UM with 6 rebounds. Minnesota out-rebounded Montana 45 to 29.
JAMAR BIG SKY POW: Jamar was named the Big Sky Conference’s Co-Player of the Week for his performance at Minnesota and at SDSU, where he averaged 20.5 points a game. He shared the award with Idaho State junior G/F Chris Hansen.
LAST SEASON: The Griz were 25-7 and ranked 14th in CollegeInsider.com’s final Mid-Major poll. Montana made its second trip in a row and third in the last four years to the NCAA Tournament. The Griz won the Big Sky regular-season title with a 19-1 record.
Head Coaches: Wayne Tinkle (Montana ,2005/8th season at Montana: 142-79). Rex Wolters (Kansas, 1993/6th season at USF:79-84)
USF SCORES TO DATE: at USF 95, Notre Dame De Namur 57; at USF 91, Cleveland St. 82; Nevada 92, at USF 90; Idaho St. 93, at USF 90 (OT).
SERIES: The Dons lead 5-0. Last meeting (11/30/12): at USF 78, Griz 68. Four of five starters scored in double figures for USF, and were led by forward Cole Dickerson’s 19 points and 16 rebounds. Jamar had 21 points and 10 boards for the Griz. USF was 21-of-37 from the line, while UM made 14-of-16 free throws.
RADIO: Tom Schultz will be calling the play-by-play on UM’s flagship station, KGVO 1290 AM/ & 101.5 FM. (MBB Radio Network listed on add 4 of the weekly release).
VIDEO/AUDIO STREAMING: gogriz.com/all-access.
LIVE STATS: gogriz.com.
TV: There is no television coverage scheduled for the game.
*****