Montana v. Nevada

Filled with unfulfilled expectations.
By John Chagaris, College AP
March 17, 2006


SALT LAKE CITY -- With the exception of 1988 and in the year 2000, during the last 21 years a number twelve seed has upset a number five seed, Nevada hoped it would not be them. To contradict that history factoid, Montana had not won a NCAA Tournament game in Men's basketball since 1975. We now present the 21 year history curse v. the 31 year old curse, but as Sox fans know curses were meant to be broken.

A team concept propelled Montana as four different players scored over 15 points. Freshman forward Jordan Hasquet scored 16 points, Sophomore forward Andrew Strait scored a team leading 22, Senior guard Kevin Criswell scored 18 and senior guard Virgil Matthews scored 20. While the Wolf Pack depended on sophomore guard Marcelus Kemp and junior forward Nick Fazekas who scored 34 and 24 respectfully. And while the team concept defeated the two man tango, the team acted like they won a regular season contest.

"We're not a team that goes out and celebrates," said guard Kevin Criswell," hoots and hahs. But there was a lot of emotion in the locker room."

Senior guard Virgil Matthews, took it as in insult when Nevada said yesturday they did not have a chance to study a lot of film and knew little about the Grizzleies.

"I bet they'd go watch film more if they had to do it again," proclaimed a very joyous Matthews.

Montana was red hot in the second half going 19 for 23 while making 23 of 27 free throws in the game. the Montana Grizzlies advance to face The Boston College Eagles on Saturday.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.