Bobcats Fall to Sac State, Out of Tourney
2/29/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Mick Durham knew his team would need some breaks to beat Sacramento State and play its way into the Big Sky Conference Tournament. As it turns out, the Bobcats got a break of the worst kind.
Seven minutes into the first half, Bobcat point guard Frank Brown suffered a wrist injury -- possibly a broken bone -- that ended his day, and all but ended MSU's post-season chances.
"That changed everything," said MSU coach Mick Durham, whose team finishes its season 14-13 and 6-8 in conference play. "Injuries are part of basketball, but when Frank's not in there we're a completely different team."
Montana State led by seven when Brown went down, and eventually pushed its lead to 14, 31-17 at 6:48. At that point, Sac State launched a 22-3 run, keyed by three-pointers by EJ Harris and Joseth Dawson, to take a 39-34 lead at the intermission.
The Hornets pushed the lead to 13 points on two occasions in the middle of the second half, but on Senior Day the Bobcats answered. A three-point play and a basket by Josh Barsh ignited the comeback attempt, and MSU pulled even on baskets by Calvin Ento and Jason Erickson. EJ Pugh capped a career night, however, with a basket at 2:47, and the Bobcats didn't score again.
"That's your worst nightmare, to play Sacramento State when they get it going," Durham said. "They're so athletic that they can take you off the dribble, and they're as good a shooting team as there is in the league. They really played today."
Montana State's Jason Erickson finished his legendary Bobcat career with 17 points, four boards, three assists and a pair of steals. The former All-America's jersey was retired by Bobcat Athletics prior to the game.
"You always appreciate what your seniors do for your program," said MSU coach Mick Durham, "and this was a good group. Jason Erickson had a sensational career here at Montana State. He will always be remembered as a great, great Bobcat."
Seven minutes into the first half, Bobcat point guard Frank Brown suffered a wrist injury -- possibly a broken bone -- that ended his day, and all but ended MSU's post-season chances.
"That changed everything," said MSU coach Mick Durham, whose team finishes its season 14-13 and 6-8 in conference play. "Injuries are part of basketball, but when Frank's not in there we're a completely different team."
Montana State led by seven when Brown went down, and eventually pushed its lead to 14, 31-17 at 6:48. At that point, Sac State launched a 22-3 run, keyed by three-pointers by EJ Harris and Joseth Dawson, to take a 39-34 lead at the intermission.
The Hornets pushed the lead to 13 points on two occasions in the middle of the second half, but on Senior Day the Bobcats answered. A three-point play and a basket by Josh Barsh ignited the comeback attempt, and MSU pulled even on baskets by Calvin Ento and Jason Erickson. EJ Pugh capped a career night, however, with a basket at 2:47, and the Bobcats didn't score again.
"That's your worst nightmare, to play Sacramento State when they get it going," Durham said. "They're so athletic that they can take you off the dribble, and they're as good a shooting team as there is in the league. They really played today."
Montana State's Jason Erickson finished his legendary Bobcat career with 17 points, four boards, three assists and a pair of steals. The former All-America's jersey was retired by Bobcat Athletics prior to the game.
"You always appreciate what your seniors do for your program," said MSU coach Mick Durham, "and this was a good group. Jason Erickson had a sensational career here at Montana State. He will always be remembered as a great, great Bobcat."
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