NCAA Women's Tournament Bracket: Montana Grizzlies preview

Who? The Grizzlies of Montana. I've often heard them called the Lady Griz, but I'm not sure if that's an official nickname or not.

When do they play in the first round? The Grizzlies play Notre Dame on Friday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

What? Monte is short for Montana. But there have been many Grizzlies.

Where? Missoula, Montana, founded as a trading post called Hellgate.

Why? They won the Big Sky conference tournament.

How? Maggie Rickman scored all 20 of her points in the second half, and Montana roared back from a 13-point halftime deficit to defeat Northern Colorado 60-49. Kellie Rubel notched a double-double at 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Surprise? Predicted to finish second in the conference, they finished first, one game ahead of Sacramento State.

RPI: 104

SOS: 240

Record: 24-8 (14-4 Big Sky)

Good wins: Charlotte in the Cancun Challenge.

Bad losses: At Montana State.

Who's in charge around here? Robin Selvig, since 1978. No, that is not a typo, the man has been a Grizzly longer than I have been alive.

Extra, Extra! The Missoulian.

Senior guard Kellie Rubel (one of seven (!) redshirts on this Montana roster) leads the charge for the Lady Griz at 14.0 points, adding 5.5 rebounds. Sophomore forward Kayleigh Valley and junior guard McCalle Feller each also average over 11 points. Starting posts Maggie Rickman and Carly Selvig (niece, not daughter) don't score much, but they both clean the glass well.