By University of Montana Sports Information
THE GAME: The University of Montana Grizzlies (2-1) are back home this Saturday, hosting the San Diego Toreros (3-3) on Nov. 24, in UM’s Dahlberg Arena (7,321), with tip-off at 6:00 p.m.
UP NEXT: Next week the Griz are on the road for two games, playing the BYU Cougars on Wednesday, Nov. 28, and the San Francisco Dons on Friday, Nov. 30th.
RADIO: UM’s flagship station is KGVO Radio (1290 AM). Mick Holien, “The Voice of the Grizzlies,” will call the play-by-play for his 20th season in a row in 2012-13.
Live stats & Streaming: www.gogriz.com. See Game Notes for team and player stats and rosters.
Kareem Jamar is fouled on his way to the rim. Dahlberg Arena in Missoula, Mont., November 14th, 2012. Photo by Austin Smith.
GRIZ LAST TWO GAMES: Montana 66, at Idaho 63: Junior forward Spencer Coleman made a big 3-pointer to put the Griz ahead 59-57 with 4:12 to go, and senior forward Mathias Ward made three lay-ups and a free throw in the final few minutes of the game. Junior guard-forward Kareem Jamar led Montana in scoring with 17 points, while Ward had 16. The Grizzlies shot 53.8% (14-of-26) from the field in the second half. Montana out-rebounded Idaho 34-31 (which was the first time in three games). UI led 34-30 at halftime.
At Montana 82, Minot State 53: The Grizzlies scored 29 points off of turnovers and had four players score in double figures in the win. Ward led the Griz with 19 points, while Jamar scored 18. Also in double figures for UM were sophomore forward Mike Weisner who tallied a career-high 11 points, and Coleman added 10 points in his first career start.
THREE TOP SCORERS BACK: Cherry and Jamar were first team all-league selections last season and Cherry led the Griz in scoring (15.8 ppg). Jamar was UM’s second leading scorer (10.9 ppg), while Ward was third (10.9 ppg).
GRIZ LAST SEASON: The Griz, ranked 14th in the collegeinsider.com’s Mid-Major poll, beat Weber State 85-66 to win the Big Sky’s post-season tournament title and advance to the NCAA tournament (a 73-49 loss to Wisconsin).
TINKLE FOURTH ON WINS LIST: Seventh-year Montana head coach Wayne Tinkle has 118 career wins — the fourth most in school history.
SERIES/LAST MEETING: The series is tied 3-3. The teams played last season, and were led by Jamar (14 points) and Cherry (13 points) in a 73-60 win at USD. The Toreros, who return all five starters from last season, were led by 6-9 forward Chris Manresa, who had 19 points and 11 rebounds a year ago against the Grizzlies. Manresa has one start this season, but has missed the past few games due to a back injury.
MONTANA GRIZZLIES (2-1) PPG RPG MISC.
F-32-Kareem Jamar, 6-5, 210, Jr., 2V 14.7 5.0 59.1 FG%
F-40-Mathias Ward, 6-7, 228, Sr., 3V 13.3 1.7 55.6 FG%
C-45-Eric Hutchison, 6-9, 230, So., 1V 2.0 1.7 14.3 mins. pg
G-10-Jordan Gregory, 6-2, 188, So., 1V 8.3 2.7 2.0 apg
G-20-Keron DeShields, 6-2, 182, So., 1V 9.3 2.7 17 pts. at CSU
6-24-Spencer Coleman, F, 6-6 1/2, 198, Jr., JC 9.3 4.0 11-of-11 FTs
6-2-Kevin Henderson, 6-5, 208, So., 1V 5.0 4.3 2.0 stl. pg
6-33-Mike Weisner, F, 6-7, 195, So., 1V 7.0 1.0 11 vs. Minot
Head Coach: Wayne Tinkle (118-72, seventh season at Montana)
USD TOROEROS (3-3) PPG RPG MISC.
F-32-Ken Rancifer, 6-5, 215, Sr., 3V 6.0 5.5 9 rebs. at USCB
F-40-Dennis Kramer, 6-11, 235, Jr., 2V 8.3 3.3 53.3 FG%
C-25-Simi Fajemisin, 6-10, 265, So., 1V 1.5 3.3 15.7 mins. pg
G-00-Chris Anderson. 5-7, 150, So., 1V 9.2 2.8 5.0 apg/2.5 stl pg
G-01-Johnny Dee 6-0, 175, So., 1V 15.0 3.3 13×31 3Pters
6-02-Mike Davis, G, 6-2, 200, Jr., TR 7.5 1.8 88.2 FT%
6-33-Jito Kok, F-C, 6-9, 225, Fr., HS 4.8 3.2 50.0 FG%
Head Coach: Bill Grier (71-96, 6th year at USD)
USD RESULTS TO DATE: USD 91, San Diego Christian 58; USD 65, N. Kentucky 61; Cal-Northridge 74, at USD 71; Tulsa 63, at USD 51; USD 77, Siena 60; at UC Santa Barbara 57, USD 39.
UP NEXT: Nov. 24: at Montana.
Montana Sports Information — GoGriz.com