Montana State (0-1) at Wichita State (1-0) Game Thread: Nov 9 (Sat)

[WuShock Reaper]

Montana State (0-0) at Wichita State (1-0) Pregame Discussion: Nov 9 (Sat)
Time: 7:00 P.M.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KEYN 103.7 FM
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[Kung Wu]

Modified the title. In order to help keep the thread count down, we'll keep all pregame and in-game stuff in one thread.

[WuShock Reaper]

https://bigskyconf.com/news/2024/10/23/montana-montana-state-named-preseason-mens-basketball-favorites-naus-mclaughlin-voted-preseason-most-valuable-player.aspx

2024-25 Big Sky Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Montana (7) – 78
2. Montana State (2) – 72
3. Northern Colorado – 62
4. Weber State (1) – 61

2024-25 Big Sky Men’s Basketball Preseason Media Poll
1. Montana State (14) – 297
2. Montana (11) – 279
3. Weber State (7) – 270
4. Northern Colorado (1) – 211

2024-25 Big Sky Men’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team
Trent McLaughlin, Northern Arizona (MVP)
Brian Goracke, Montana State
Brandon Whitney, Montana
Miguel Tomley, Weber State
Brandon Walker, Montana State
Julius Mims, Idaho

[WuShock Reaper]

[WuShock Reaper]

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That's a tough road game, then on the plane to Wichita. Not much time for rest nor game prep for Montana State.

[SubGod22]

It's how these schools pay for their athletics budget.

[JVShocker]

Montana State
NCAA Tournament team in 2023/24. Won 17 games. Lost 17 games. Senior guard Robert Ford got insanely hot in the Conference Tourney and led them to a First Four game in NCAA Tourney. They lost to Grambling State to finish 17-18. Ford is gone and I think they will be looking for a new leader. They have a few returning faces, notably Brian Goracke. Listed at 6'6", avg 13.5 last season but he's not a point guard. And he's just marginally better than 50% from FT line.

Montana State does not have a lot of size. They have more than a few new faces (like WSU). A nice mix of senior/junior/soph and frosh. Not entirely sure on how much D1 exp they bring to the tip off. What they do have is freshman Trap Johnson, a "near" young Matt Brauer look-alike. And he's from Belton, Texas as well. Hopefully he won't go MB mode and put a game winner in from the baseline with no time on the clock.







Well, okay, maybe not that close in appearance. But at least one player from Belton was made differently, so keep an eye on him. Maybe.


Montana State plays at Wisconsin tonight, turn around and play the Shockers on Saturday night. That's 2 road games, 3 days, plus travel.

Obviously more info and stats could brought to the tipoff post Wisconsin game tonight. But I think the Shockers win this one. Bring the effort, intensity, and hopefully a raucous home crowd and I think the Shockers win by 30 (if not more). Go Shocks!

After the performance against Wisconsin, looking at the box score and reading thru comments on the MontState board I will revise my prediction from 30 point win to 20. It's still 2 games in 3 days plus travel. And as always...Go Shocks!

[WuDrWu]

Will Craig Kilborn be in attendance?

[WuShock Reaper]

Meowing = 69
Wushing = 78

Let’s Go Shockers!!!

[Aargh]

Meowing = 59
Wushing = 88

Let’s Go Shockers!!!

I fixed that for you.

[WuShock Reaper]

I fixed that for you.

I see what you did there, but one previous game does not make a season. I need more evidence...

Plus, here is Warren Nolan's predictions for the next two games:

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[WuShock Reaper]

[Topshock]

Northern Iowa supposedly beat Wisconsin by 10 in their "secret scrimmage", for what that is worth.

[kcshocker11]

Shocks 83 ... Montana St 68

[Kung Wu]

Montana State seems to have a better defense than Western Kentucky did, but not as good of an offense. So it will be good for our team to play against a very different style than what they faced.