University of Montana Men's and Women's Basketball Teams Face Disparate Outcomes Against Eastern Washington

Strategic Insights -

The University of Montana men's and women's basketball teams faced off against Eastern Washington on February 20, resulting in contrasting outcomes. The men's team suffered a 76-90 loss at home, while the Lady Griz emerged victorious with a 65-62 win on the road. The disparity in performance was attributed to Eastern Washington's well-oiled machine, with the Eagles maintaining a strong lead throughout the game.

The men's team had a bright spot in freshman forward Josh Bannan, who scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Bannan, along with fellow freshmen Robby Beasley and Brandon Whitney, combined for 40 points, roughly half of the team's total. The coach, Travis DeCuire, emphasized the importance of getting everyone on the team to play well simultaneously.

The Lady Griz, on the other hand, had a more contested game, with the lead changing hands seven times. Junior forward Carmen Gfeller made a crucial 3-pointer to put the team up 10-7, and later hit an open layup to help the Lady Griz take a 30-27 halftime lead. Redshirt junior forward Abby Anderson led the Lady Griz in scoring with 16 points and added 13 rebounds.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Montana men's basketball team lost to Eastern Washington 76-90 at home, with Eastern Washington maintaining a strong lead throughout the game.
  • The men's team had a bright spot in freshman forward Josh Bannan, who scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
  • The Lady Griz's victory was marked by a more contested game, with the lead changing hands seven times.
  • Junior forward Carmen Gfeller made crucial 3-point shots for the Lady Griz, including one to make the game 10-7 in um's favor.
  • The Lady Griz's coaching staff highlighted the improvement of the team, with Abby Anderson leading the team in scoring and adding 13 rebounds.
  • The University of Montana men's team record fell to 9-12, while the Lady Griz's record improved to 12-7.
  • Both teams will face Idaho State on February 25, with the men's team traveling to the match and the women's team hosting it at home.

Statistics:

  • The University of Montana men's basketball team scored 76 points, a total that was roughly half of Eastern Washington's 90 points.
  • Eastern Washington led by as many as 13-3 points early in the game, establishing a lead that would eventually become insurmountable.
  • The Lady Griz led 20-19 at the end of the first quarter, with the lead changing hands multiple times throughout the game.
  • Abby Anderson led the Lady Griz in scoring with 16 points and added 13 rebounds.
  • The University of Montana men's team had 40 points from its three freshmen, Bannan, Beasley, and Whitney.
  • The Lady Griz improved to a 12-7 record, with the men's team falling to 9-12.

Sources:

  • University of Montana press release on February 20
  • Interview with UM head men's basketball coach Travis DeCuire