Montana Grizzlies Prepare For NCAA Tournament Showdown Against Wisconsin

DENVER — The Montana Grizzlies men's basketball team is preparing for a significant challenge as they secure their place in the NCAA Tournament after a triumphant run through the Big Sky Conference. The Grizzlies, a No. 14 seed, will face the No. 3 seeded Wisconsin Badgers on March 20, 2025. The excitement surrounding this matchup stems not just from the game itself, but from the remarkable journeys of key players Te'Jon Sawyer and Malik Moore, both of whom fought through serious injuries to contribute to their team's success.

Both Sawyer and Moore almost didn’t take the court this season. In the offseason, Sawyer underwent a surgical procedure after partially tearing the meniscus in his knee, an injury that could have kept him sidelined for the entire year. Instead, with support from his teammates and assurance from medical professionals, he made the courageous decision to not redshirt. "It was just my teammates," Sawyer said, reflecting on his motivation to return. "Knowing if I went down for the season we probably would have had some struggles. And also getting confirmation from multiple doctors that I can actually continue to play. That gave me a little more spirit."

Coach Travis DeCuire credited Sawyer and Moore's commitment to the team's success. "We wouldn’t be here if they didn’t make those decisions," he said on March 19, 2025. Sawyer's return saw him quickly become integral to the Grizzlies, contributing with averages of 9.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 59 percent from the field.

Moore's challenges mirrored those of Sawyer. After injuring his left shoulder while practicing at Pepperdine, he faced the prospect of rehab or a redshirt decision himself. Choosing to be a part of the active roster rather than sitting out, he became the second-leading scorer for the Grizzlies at 12.8 points per game and leads the team with 60 made three-pointers, hitting 41.1 percent from deep.

"He’s been huge," Sawyer remarked about Moore’s impact. "Once he came back, he was probably that missing piece we needed." This connection has been pivotal in leading the young Grizzlies to their current position, with both players effectively utilizing their experiences to help each other on the court.

The Grizzlies’ journey has been captivating as they recovered from a rough start to the season, battling injuries not just from Sawyer and Moore but across the team. Despite losing both players at crucial moments early in the campaign, they rebounded to secure the Big Sky Conference regular season co-championship and then captured the conference tournament title, propelling them into the NCAA Tournament.

Montana's players are eager to make their mark in the national spotlight. Moore emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, "I feel like as a kid, if you play basketball, one of the things you want to do is go to March Madness. We did that. I'm excited to be here and be a part of it." The upcoming game against a formidable Wisconsin squad poses a challenge, but both Moore and Sawyer feel prepared.

The Grizzlies hope to capitalize on their momentum and the support of the Montana community as they strive to make a deeper run in the tournament. "Wisconsin is right up there with the best of them," DeCuire noted, underscoring the importance of every possession and its potential impact. "This tournament is where the best of the best compete; we have to be ready to show our capabilities."

As anticipation builds for Thursday's matchup, both players have become symbols of resilience and determination, embodying what it means to fight through adversity. The stakes are high, and with the legacy of their team on the line, the Grizzlies are ready to make a strong statement in the NCAA Tournament. The game starts at 11:30 a.m. MT at Ball Arena and will be broadcast nationally on TNT.