MONTANA GRIZZLIES
Coach: Larry Krystkowiak | Record: 23-6
Overview:
Make that two NCAA Tounaments in a row for the
Grizzlies following a 73-60 win over Northern
Arizona in the Big Sky Tournament title game. Head
coach Larry Krystkowiak, a former NBA player and one
of the best players in Montana history, is now 5-0
in Big Sky Tournament games. Montana is entering the
NCAA Tournament on a hot streak, having won seven of
its last eight games. The Grizzlies are ranked sixth
in the nation in field goal percentage (49.5%),
ninth in assists (17.8 apg); and 20th in scoring
offense (79.3 ppg).
Potential Difference Maker: Kevin Criswell is
Krystkowiak's designated long-range bomber. He's
nailed 70 3-pointers this season, and hasn't been a
slouch from the free throw line, either, having
converting 80% of his attempts to this point. Also,
Criswell is a senior with a lot of postseason
basketball experience under his belt, which is an
advantage that can't be discounted.
On Offense: They will run a lot of
triangle-action, looking to clear out one side so
they can punch it into the lane. They get great
spacing, which is why they are so effective of
getting the ball inside to Andrew Strait and finding
Criswell for open looks on the perimeter. They are
really good at getting the shot they want.
On Defense: They are very crafty, giving you
a lot of different looks. They are tough on the
defensive glass.
Strength: Experience, patience and a great
ability to control tempo. They are also more
physical then you might think and they simply will
not beat themselves.
Weakness: They are not real athletic.
Key to Success: If Criswell and Strait can
score in the high teens, they are going to be tough
to beat. They also need to rebound the basketball.
How to Beat Them: Get them into transition.
They want to play in the halfcourt so pick up the
tempo on them. It’s imperative to keep them off the
glass. They get a lot of second-chance points. And
try to make them one dimensional by taking away or
limiting their points in the paint.
