Bobcats Lose at Buzzer
12/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
For the record, Branden Miller couldn't tell.
"I was just trying to make the shot," Montana State's senior guard said of his three-point shot that appeared to be good, was originally ruled good, and was disallowed on replay at the end of MSU's 69-66 loss at Denver University on Saturday. "I didn't see if it was on time."
The Bobcats overcame a seven-point deficit in the last three minutes and appeared to force overtime before Miller's three-pointer was disallowed. The 'Cats had the chance because DeShawn Walker missed one of two free throws with 3.7 seconds remaining. Miller took the inbounds pass at halfcourt and took four dribbles, pulling up at the top of the key for the apparent game-tying shot.
MSU coach Mick Durham wasn't focused on the controversial ending, however. "You can't concentrate on that last play," said MSU's 16th-year head coach. "You harp on the little things here and there that may have led to a point, a missed free throw here, a non-block out there. As a coach you stress those things to the players."
Montana State, now 2-4 on the season, led for much of the first half before entering the intermission tied. Denver used a 7-2 run at the outset of the second half to take command of the game. Much of that work was done by center Yemi Nicholson, who scored 24 points and grabbed 12 boards. He also blocked two shots.
"Our strategy was to make somebody else beat us," Durham said, "and somebody else beat us. (Steve) Wetrich made those free throws (4-for-4 in the last 15 seconds) and hit a big three-pointer. He was tough."
Ja'Ron Jefferson had 16 points to lead the Bobcats, while Branden Miller had 13 and Ted Morris 10.
MSU hosts Carroll College on Tuesday.
"I was just trying to make the shot," Montana State's senior guard said of his three-point shot that appeared to be good, was originally ruled good, and was disallowed on replay at the end of MSU's 69-66 loss at Denver University on Saturday. "I didn't see if it was on time."
The Bobcats overcame a seven-point deficit in the last three minutes and appeared to force overtime before Miller's three-pointer was disallowed. The 'Cats had the chance because DeShawn Walker missed one of two free throws with 3.7 seconds remaining. Miller took the inbounds pass at halfcourt and took four dribbles, pulling up at the top of the key for the apparent game-tying shot.
MSU coach Mick Durham wasn't focused on the controversial ending, however. "You can't concentrate on that last play," said MSU's 16th-year head coach. "You harp on the little things here and there that may have led to a point, a missed free throw here, a non-block out there. As a coach you stress those things to the players."
Montana State, now 2-4 on the season, led for much of the first half before entering the intermission tied. Denver used a 7-2 run at the outset of the second half to take command of the game. Much of that work was done by center Yemi Nicholson, who scored 24 points and grabbed 12 boards. He also blocked two shots.
"Our strategy was to make somebody else beat us," Durham said, "and somebody else beat us. (Steve) Wetrich made those free throws (4-for-4 in the last 15 seconds) and hit a big three-pointer. He was tough."
Ja'Ron Jefferson had 16 points to lead the Bobcats, while Branden Miller had 13 and Ted Morris 10.
MSU hosts Carroll College on Tuesday.
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