Date: Saturday, November 16
Time: 4:00pm CDT
TV/Streaming: SEC Network+
The Grizzlies
2019-20 Record: 1-1
Head Coach: Travis DeCuire (110-59, 6th season)
Travis DeCuire is in year 6 roaming the sidelines for Montana. Decure lettered at Montana in the early 90s and was a part of the 91-92 NCAA Tournament team. He has experienced the same level of success coaching the Grizzles. In 5 completed seasons under DeCuire, the Grizzlies have 3 regular season Big Sky championships, 2 Big Sky Tournament championships, and 2 NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Grizzlies have to replace 5 seniors, 3 of which averaged double figures. That leaves just 40% of scoring returning for DeCuire. Leading the way is Sayeed Pridgett. The 6-5 Senior has done it all 2 games into the season: 23.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.0apg and 2.5spg. Pridgett is shooting 64% from the field, but has yet to make a 3 this season.
Montana opened the season on the road against Stanford and only lost by 11. The Grizzlies rebounded with a 14 point win over NAIA Montana State-Northern. Montana has some similarities to Arkansas. Coach DeCuire through 2 games has stuck with a short bench and just 8 players have seen action. Only 2 players 6-8 and taller have seen the court, but both weigh 210 pounds or less.
The Media picked Montana to win the Big Sky again this season, but the coaches have them 2nd. Either would be quite the feat with all the Grizzlies lost. Sayeed Pridgett is a legit player who will give any team at any level fits. Pridgett can carry Montana to a solid season.