GAME NOTES: The San Francisco Dons play host to the Montana Grizzlies in a non-conference clash at War Memorial Gymnasium on Sunday.

Montana has split its first four games of the season. The Grizzlies stumbled at Colorado State (83-66) and Boise State (72-67 2OT) to start the campaign, but wins over Seattle (66-62) and Carroll (75-52) have gotten them back to .500. They will remain in the Golden State to face California next.

San Francisco is returning home after taking part in the Gulf Coast Showcase last week. The Dons went 1-2 in the event, topping Hawaii, 88-73, before falling short against Florida Gulf Coast (62-47) and Evansville (79-72). They are now 3-2 overall, including a 2-0 mark at home. Up next, they will visit Colorado.

These teams met last November and San Francisco escaped with a 75-74 victory. The Dons have won all six previous meetings with the Grizzlies.

Playing a team from outside the Division I ranks like Carroll clearly helped Montana. The Grizzlies connected on 45.9 percent of their shots from the floor, while outscoring their guest, 33-9, from beyond the arc. They also enjoyed a 41.28 edge on the boards, while forcing 19 turnovers. Martin Breunig paced the Grizzlies in the winning effort, tallying 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Montana is rarely so offensively inclined, netting 68.5 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting. On defense, the Grizzlies are letting up 67.3 points on 41.8 percent accuracy. Breunig (13.8 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.5 bpg) is a solid performer in the paint, leading the team in scoring, while shooting 64.9 percent from the field. In addition, he is the best rebounder and shot-blocker on the roster. Jordan Gregory (11 ppg) is the only other player averaging in double figures, despite making only 27.3 percent of his field goal tries.

San Francisco simply couldn't keep up with Evansville last time out. While the Purple Aces connected on 50.8 percent of their shots from the floor, the Dons turned in a meager 42.6 percent effort. They were outscored from 3-pont range as well (27-15). San Francisco was the superior team on the inside, outscoring the Purple Aces, 44-36, in the paint. Mark Tollefsen had 23 points and came up a rebound shy of a double-double. Matt Glover completed the job, tallying 20 points and 12 rebounds.

The Dons are a much better offensive team than Montana. They are averaging 76.8 points each game and connecting on a respectable 45.4 percent of their field goal attempts. At the other end, they have allowed just 62.4 ppg on 37.7 percent shooting. Kruize Pinkins (15.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and Tollefsen (14.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg) anchor the team from the interior, with Glover (8.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg) making his presence felt as well. Tim Derksen (12.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) also puts up solid contributions in both points and rebounds.

With the clear advantage on offense in this matchup, San Francisco should be able to notch a comfortable win over visiting Montana.