Preview: N Arizona at Montana St
The Mountain West Showdown Heats Up: Montana St Looks to Knock Off Ranked N Arizona
The stage is set for an electric matchup in the mountain west as 10th-ranked Montana St takes on 13th-ranked Northern Arizona, looking to pull off a major upset. Both teams have been on a hot streak, with Montana St riding a 3-2 recent game winning streak and N Arizona struggling to find consistency at 1-4 over its last five contests.
A Tale of Two Teams
Montana St has been the story of the season so far, with its high-powered offense led by junior forward Patrick McMahon. The 6'6" sharpshooter is a threat from beyond the arc and in the paint, averaging an impressive 15.7 points per game while also chipping in 2.3 assists per contest.
On the other side of the court, N Arizona has been relying on its defense to carry it through tough stretches. Led by senior guard Kavon Bradford, the Wildcats have been able to limit opponents' scoring opportunities, but their offense has struggled to find a rhythm.
The X-Factor: Bench Production
When you look at the recent form of both teams, one stat stands out as the key differentiator: bench production. Montana St's bench has been a major contributor all season, with players like Jed Miller and Alex Gorman providing crucial minutes off the bench. Meanwhile, N Arizona's bench has been a major liability, with the team struggling to find consistent scoring.
If Montana St can get its bench firing on all cylinders, it could be a recipe for disaster for N Arizona. Conversely, if the Wildcats' bench can step up and provide some much-needed spark, they may just have what it takes to pull off the upset.
Game Preview Breakdown
* Montana St's Offense: The Grizzlies have been unstoppable all season, with McMahon leading the charge. They'll look to keep their momentum going against a N Arizona defense that has struggled to contain opposing scorers.
* N Arizona's Defense: While the Wildcats' offense may be struggling, their defense has been a bright spot all season. They'll need to find a way to adjust to Montana St's high-powered attack if they want to come out on top.
* Key Matchups: The battle in the paint between McMahon and N Arizona's big men will be crucial. Additionally, the matchup between Kavon Bradford and Montana St's point guards could determine the outcome of the game.
The Verdict
This one is shaping up to be a wild card game, with both teams having legitimate claims to pulling off the upset. One thing is certain: it won't be a low-scoring affair. With Montana St's offense firing on all cylinders and N Arizona's defense struggling, this could be a shootout for the ages. Will the Grizzlies continue their winning ways, or will the Wildcats finally find their footing? The stage is set for an electric matchup that promises to deliver plenty of excitement.