WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
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- CatRowdy
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WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
It's Cat/griz week for both basketball teams.
For the women it's another challenge to their undefeated conference season.
Base on their records, no doubt Cats are the favorite to win but the griz do get to play on their home court. Also losing Holsinger might be a huge plus to them. The interim coach Nate Harris coached for Bin a few years back. Nate knows Coach Bin's approach to games. His style is different than Holsinger's so perhaps the girls can play a bit freer. If there was a tension and cloud in the program, perhaps that's somewhat lifted. And playing at home always seems to help a team.
On the other hand, the Cats have huge momentum. After squeaking by Eastern they have a point to prove. Traveling to Missoula isn't that far so not as bad a road trip. They have phenomenal talent through out the entire team, losing zero momentum when they substitute from the bench. Cats have better length and height. The full court press and overall defense is top notch. It's gonna be a fun game to watch!
For the women it's another challenge to their undefeated conference season.
Base on their records, no doubt Cats are the favorite to win but the griz do get to play on their home court. Also losing Holsinger might be a huge plus to them. The interim coach Nate Harris coached for Bin a few years back. Nate knows Coach Bin's approach to games. His style is different than Holsinger's so perhaps the girls can play a bit freer. If there was a tension and cloud in the program, perhaps that's somewhat lifted. And playing at home always seems to help a team.
On the other hand, the Cats have huge momentum. After squeaking by Eastern they have a point to prove. Traveling to Missoula isn't that far so not as bad a road trip. They have phenomenal talent through out the entire team, losing zero momentum when they substitute from the bench. Cats have better length and height. The full court press and overall defense is top notch. It's gonna be a fun game to watch!
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- Golden Bobcat
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
I firmly believe that the Bobcat women are the best team in the Big Sky this year and will be favored in every game they play. That said, it's REALLY hard to go 18-0 so it's also very likely that they'll lose at least a game or two along the way. Hopefully it doesn't happen this Saturday!
- CatRowdy
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
Couldn't agree with you more! Tougher games are the travel games and the team found out last night they can lose to any team. In her interview Coach said they needed a game like that. Hopefully that sharpens the focus against the griz so this isn't a game we lose!MSU01 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 21, 2025 4:23 pmI firmly believe that the Bobcat women are the best team in the Big Sky this year and will be favored in every game they play. That said, it's REALLY hard to go 18-0 so it's also very likely that they'll lose at least a game or two along the way. Hopefully it doesn't happen this Saturday!
- BelgradeBobcat
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
Just guessing, but Binford probably has more wins in Dahlberg than any other head coach. That being said, we've seen some really, really good Bobcat teams go in there and just play terrible.
- SACCAT
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
Team Stats--
Offense
MSU 2nd (71 a Game) / UM 6th (65 a Game)
Defense
MSU 2nd (56 a Game) / UM 8th (68 a Game)
FG%
MSU 6th (41%) / UM 4th (41.8%)
Opp FG%
MSU 3rd (39%) / UM 10th (42%)
UM is 1st in the League in 3 Point Shooting, While MSU is 1st in the League in 3 Point Defense
MSU is #1 in Steals per game at 14 a Game, While UM is 10th at 6 a Game
Offense
MSU 2nd (71 a Game) / UM 6th (65 a Game)
Defense
MSU 2nd (56 a Game) / UM 8th (68 a Game)
FG%
MSU 6th (41%) / UM 4th (41.8%)
Opp FG%
MSU 3rd (39%) / UM 10th (42%)
UM is 1st in the League in 3 Point Shooting, While MSU is 1st in the League in 3 Point Defense
MSU is #1 in Steals per game at 14 a Game, While UM is 10th at 6 a Game
- WyomingGrizFan
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- BelgradeBobcat
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
Ha Ha. Never in Dahlberg. I also think Nate Harris will do a great job up there if they let him.
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
What's the story on Nate Harris leaving the Cats as an assistant to be an assistant for the griz? I am sure it was talked about, I just can't remember.
- BelgradeBobcat
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
He left MSU to be a head coach at a D-2 school in Texas (can't remember who). After a few years he came back to join Holsinger's staff. He's from Ronan I believe so maybe just wanted to be closer to home?
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- Golden Bobcat
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
He originally left to be an assistant at the D-2 school (Angelo State) and then was promoted to head coach after his first season there when the previous HC took another job. It was a bit interesting at the time that he would leave a D-1 job for D-2, but it seemed to work out for him as it got him that first head coaching job he'd never have had by staying at MSU. I think he's a fantastic coach, the Griz would be smart to make him their permanent coach. Hopefully the Griz are dumb but he still gets a D-1 job somewhere else where he won't be directly in competition with MSU.BelgradeBobcat wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2025 5:44 pmHe left MSU to be a head coach at a D-2 school in Texas (can't remember who). After a few years he came back to join Holsinger's staff. He's from Ronan I believe so maybe just wanted to be closer to home?
- Catfanatic84
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
Three point shooting is the key stat. If Cats can limit the Griz three point production, I think MSU wins...SACCAT wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2025 2:43 pmTeam Stats--
Offense
MSU 2nd (71 a Game) / UM 6th (65 a Game)
Defense
MSU 2nd (56 a Game) / UM 8th (68 a Game)
FG%
MSU 6th (41%) / UM 4th (41.8%)
Opp FG%
MSU 3rd (39%) / UM 10th (42%)
UM is 1st in the League in 3 Point Shooting, While MSU is 1st in the League in 3 Point Defense
MSU is #1 in Steals per game at 14 a Game, While UM is 10th at 6 a Game
- SACCAT
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
I think the main stat is the last one. We have seen teams struggle all year just to get the ball past 1/2 court on the Cats... If the Cats can cause turnovers (And they have shown they can do it to every team other than Utah) they will be in great shape.Catfanatic84 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2025 11:48 amThree point shooting is the key stat. If Cats can limit the Griz three point production, I think MSU wins...SACCAT wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2025 2:43 pmTeam Stats--
Offense
MSU 2nd (71 a Game) / UM 6th (65 a Game)
Defense
MSU 2nd (56 a Game) / UM 8th (68 a Game)
FG%
MSU 6th (41%) / UM 4th (41.8%)
Opp FG%
MSU 3rd (39%) / UM 10th (42%)
UM is 1st in the League in 3 Point Shooting, While MSU is 1st in the League in 3 Point Defense
MSU is #1 in Steals per game at 14 a Game, While UM is 10th at 6 a Game
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
I have watched UM play on TV this year and they have some really outstanding three point shooters. We also have some fine shooters from distance. The game that we just played against EWU our three point shooting was terrible. I attributed that to playing three games in five days, being on the road, etc. So the key to me will be how well we play defense on the perimeter plus how well we shoot. If we allow their shooters lots of space out on the perimeter, they will hurt us. Hopefully our press defense will continue to pay dividends. It will be a very interesting game. Sure hope we bring our A game!
- WalkOn79
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
And the Griz have turned the ball over more than almost everyone in the Big Sky. This one could get ugly!SACCAT wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2025 2:25 pmI think the main stat is the last one. We have seen teams struggle all year just to get the ball past 1/2 court on the Cats... If the Cats can cause turnovers (And they have shown they can do it to every team other than Utah) they will be in great shape.Catfanatic84 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2025 11:48 amThree point shooting is the key stat. If Cats can limit the Griz three point production, I think MSU wins...SACCAT wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2025 2:43 pmTeam Stats--
Offense
MSU 2nd (71 a Game) / UM 6th (65 a Game)
Defense
MSU 2nd (56 a Game) / UM 8th (68 a Game)
FG%
MSU 6th (41%) / UM 4th (41.8%)
Opp FG%
MSU 3rd (39%) / UM 10th (42%)
UM is 1st in the League in 3 Point Shooting, While MSU is 1st in the League in 3 Point Defense
MSU is #1 in Steals per game at 14 a Game, While UM is 10th at 6 a Game

"One of the greatest feelings in the world, moving someone from point A to point B against their will"
Mitch Brott - 2019 Cat / Griz
Mitch Brott - 2019 Cat / Griz
- CatRowdy
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
Perhaps Taylee will break the NCAA record for steals! That would be a great Dahlberg stat!
- Bobcat4Ever
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
When Taylee Chirrick signed with the ‘Cats you said …
Certainly, you can’t still feel that way?

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- Golden Bobcat
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
Three point shooting is very erratic. It could be the key to who wins but probably more of a coincidence than something that does or doesn’t follow form. I think msu has been overachieving at the three point line and that might be its downfall today if they start reverting to the norm over the second half.Catfanatic84 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2025 11:48 amThree point shooting is the key stat. If Cats can limit the Griz three point production, I think MSU wins...SACCAT wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2025 2:43 pmTeam Stats--
Offense
MSU 2nd (71 a Game) / UM 6th (65 a Game)
Defense
MSU 2nd (56 a Game) / UM 8th (68 a Game)
FG%
MSU 6th (41%) / UM 4th (41.8%)
Opp FG%
MSU 3rd (39%) / UM 10th (42%)
UM is 1st in the League in 3 Point Shooting, While MSU is 1st in the League in 3 Point Defense
MSU is #1 in Steals per game at 14 a Game, While UM is 10th at 6 a Game
MSU - 16 team National Champions (most recent 2024); 57 individual National Champions (most recent 2023).
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- Bobcatsinmso
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
Tip off at 2. Looking forward to watching these women in person today!
Go Cats!
Go Cats!
The State of Montana is Bobcat country.
missoula....still just 20 miles from Montana.
FTG
missoula....still just 20 miles from Montana.
FTG
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- Golden Bobcat
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
Interesting, are the Bobcats wearing their pink uniforms today? That could clash with the "dark pink" the other team wears...
Heads up for anyone waiting for the women's game at 2:00, the Idaho/NAU game tips off at noon on ESPN+. Very big game since both teams are 6-1 and have only lost to the Bobcats.
Heads up for anyone waiting for the women's game at 2:00, the Idaho/NAU game tips off at noon on ESPN+. Very big game since both teams are 6-1 and have only lost to the Bobcats.
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Re: WBB CAT/griz... in Missoula
At the first media timeout it looks like a rock fight. Cats down 5 - 7. By my count we're winning the turnover battle.