Bobcats vs. Portland State Game Notes
2/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
With Montana State’s Big Sky Tournament possibilities ranging from league co-champion and tournament host to fourth seed, the Bobcats wrap up the regular season hosting 2005 league regular season champion Portland State (the Vikings clinched a share of the title with MSU’s loss at Sac State Saturday) and 2004 champion Eastern Washington. MSU lost on the road to both teams in January.
GAME FACTS
TIP vs. PSU 7:05 pm
SITE Bozeman, MT
ARENA Worthington Arena
RADIO Bobcat Network/Kris Atteberry
TV none
TIP vs. EWU 7:05 pm
SITE Bozeman, MT
ARENA Worthington Arena
RADIO Bobcat Network/Kris Atteberry
TV none
HIGHLIGHTS
* Montana State is 9-2 at home this season after starting the year 1-2 in Worthington Arena
* The ‘Cats have clinched their first winning record in Big Sky play since the championship season of 2002
STREAKS
* Montana State’s string of 10 straight wins when shooting better than its opponent from the field ended in Hornet Gym on Saturday
* Al Beye has blocked a shot in three straight and in 15 of his 16 games as a Bobcat
* MSU has turned the ball over no fewer than 16 times in the last nine games
* Montana State has lost six straight games to Eastern Washington
NOTEWORTHY
* After 25 games, Montana State has been outscored on the season 1,660-to-1,659
* Montana State has blocked 103 shots this year, the third-highest total in school history
* The Bobcats have held Big Sky opponents to 39.5% shooting this year, the best field goal defense rate in the Big Sky
THIS WEEK
From Bobcat Coach Mick Durham
On Portland State: “Portland State is the best team in the league, with Will Funn running the show and Seamus Boxley inside. Jake Schroeder is back, and he gives them an added dimension from outside. We’re excited to see how we stack up with them, if we’ve improved since the last time.” On Eastern Washington: “Eastern Washington has definitely had our number lately. They really took it to us in the first game, their pressure bothered us and we didn’t guard Marc Axton very well. They have been hard to figure out, they’ve struggled some at home.” On the Big Sky Tournament scenarios: “We know we’re in the tournament, and that wins this weekend get us higher seeds. I’m not one that gets caught up in figuring out all the different possibilities. We’re excited to be home for the last two regular season games, and I’d love to have a bye in the tournament, so our focus is to have a good weekend, earn a bye, and when it’s all over we’ll see where the tournament is.”
NOTING THE VIKINGS
Portland State clinched a share of its first-ever Big Sky title with MSU’s loss last Saturday, and looks to clinch the outright championship and host role for the Big Sky Tourney with a win over MSU or Montana this weekend... Portland State is the best shooting in the Big Sky, and is second-best in field goal defense... PSU is led by likely Big Sky MVP Seamus Boxley, a forward who leads the league in scoring (20.4) and is second in rebounding (8.0) and shooting (59.3%)... Viking guard Will Funn is among the nation’s leaders in assists (7.8), easily the best rate in the Big Sky.
NOTING THE EAGLES
Eastern Washington can finish anywhere from third to eighth this week, and with a pair of wins clinch a spot in the post-season tourney... one win most likely gets the Eagles in... this weekend marks the last regular season games for Eagle star Marc Axton, an all-league player who is fourth in the conference in scoring.
SCOPING THE BOBCATS
Last Time Out
Sacramento State got a key defensive stop on a DaShawn Stevenson steal in the last 10 seconds to fend off Montana State’s second-half comeback attempt. Sac State’s 70-68 win handed Portland State a share of the Big Sky regular season title for the first time in school history. Jameel Pugh scored 26 points on Senior Night.
Three After Three
MSU has hit at least one three-pointer in the last 326 games. From 1986 to late ‘92-93 MSU rolled up 197 straight games with a trey, giving MSU at least one three in 523 of the last 524 games.
The Three Company
This year’s Bobcat team has not been afraid to cast away from three-point range. MSU has hit 7.6 treys a game, the best rate in the Big Sky, and has attempted 535 three-pointers, also the most in the conference. MSU tied school records by hitting 14 and attempting 35 three-pointers against Wyoming.
The Magic Number
The Bobcats are 106-15 when scoring at least 80 points since ‘93-94.
Rebounding Remarks
Montana State has struggled in rebounding most of the season, but it appears that the team is making headway. MSU has moved up to sixth in the Big Sky in rebound margin (-2.9, ahead of Sac State and Idaho State), largely on the strength of a solid performance of late. MSU outrebounded ISU 41-to-25 and league-leading Weber 42-to-31, and was within two of UM.
Rebounding Redux
It’s true that the Bobcats outrebounded only one of its first seven Big Sky opponents. However, MSU has been even or positive in rebound margin in five of the 12 league games, and are virtually even in rebounding in home games.
Window Cleaner
Marvin Moss has been MSU’s top board man. His 7.1 average is fourth in the BSC.
Sweeps & Breakthroughs
MSU has swept three Big Sky foes -- Weber, ISU, and Montana -- after not getting a single sweep last year. The Weber-ISU road sweep was MSU’s first in three years. The three road wins matches the total for the previous two years combined (two in 2003, one in ‘04).
Charity
The 13 free throws made at Sac State were five more than it attempted at NAU. MSU has made 1.5 more free throws in home games than road games this year.
Mick’s Milestones
Mick Durham owns two Big Sky records that are likely to stand the test of time. Durham’s Bobcats have won 230 games, the most in conference history, including 115 conference tilts, also a league best.
Shot Swattin’
Montana State has 103 blocked shots this year, second-best in school history and six shy of the school record. Al Beye’s 37 blocks in ninth in MSU annals.
Turnover Turnarounds
Montana State has endured three major trends in turnovers this season...
Record TOs Forced Margin
First 6 1-5 17.7 15.5 -1.2
Next 11 8-3 12.9 14.7 +1.8
Last 8 4-4 17.1 16.0 -1.1
More D-D-D-Defense
Since the season opener, MSU has held its opponent to below 50% shooting in 39 of the 47 halves, and below 40% 19 times.
Where the Action Is
Forty-four percent of MSU’s shots (608-of-1,394) and 35% of the team’s points (596 of 1,659) are from beyond the arc.
ONE-LINERS
On the Offense...
Montana State shot 50% from the field in three of the 13 non-conference games, but has reached that mark in four of its 12 conference contests... the ‘Cats haven’t shot 50% in the last four games... MSU has shot over 70% from the line in two of the last five games, but have shot 67% or better four times in that span... while Al Beye and Dennis Woodall are shooting 23% (9-for-44) from the line, the rest of the team is 67% (246-for-367)... MSU has hit 192 threes this year, and would need to average 13 a game if it played four more.
On the Defense...
Only CSU and UWGB -- in back-to-back games -- have shot better than 50% against the ‘Cats... Montana State has held three of the last four and eight of its 12 Big Sky opponents to 40% shooting or less... the ‘Cats have averaged four blocks a game since Al Beye joined the starting lineup, and has at least six in three of the last four games... MSU held Sac State to 35% shooting last time out, but the Hornets shot 45.5% from beyond the arc and 73.7% from the free throw line
Lineup Notes
Montana State used five different starting lineups in the team’s 13-game non-conference schedule, but has changed lineups only once in league play... Marvin Moss is the only Bobcat to start all 25 games... MSU has used four different starting centers... two different Bobcats have started at both guard positions... MSU is 13-10 since Ja’Ron Jefferson joined the starting lineup.
Playoff Possibilities
The Big Sky Tournament picture became somewhat clearer last weekend, but still only three teams have clinched spots, and the title remains up for grabs, if barely... Portland State has clinched a share of the championship, and with one win or one Bobcat loss will host the tournament... Montana State is the only team other than PSU in the title hunt, and needs a win over the Vikings Thursday and help from the Grizzlies in the form of a UM win over PSU on Saturday to have a chance at hosting... MSU needs a win to clinch second place and a top two seeding which would result in a first-round bye... both Montana and Sac State remain in the hunt for second... those teams, along with Weber State, Eastern Washington and NAU are in the melange of tangled possibilities for spots three through seven... only Idaho State, at 3-9, has been eliminated.
#3 Casey Durham, G
His 45 threes is second-most in school history by a frosh... scored career-high 18 points on six threes against Griz at home... the UM game was his first over 50% since suffering a concussion in the Grizzly game at Missoula... has no more than two turnovers in any league game... 4th in the Big Sky in three-point percentage (.391), 8th in three-pointers made (1.9)... 2nd on the team with 45 treys and 115 attempts
#4 Branden Miller, G
Is 8-for-20 from beyond the arc in the last three games... has been in double-figures three straight times after being shut out against Weber at home... hit a three-pointer with 3.7 to play to beat Sac State in Bozeman... 184 of his 281 field goal attempts (61%) are from outside the circle... either scored (10) or assisted on (5) 15 of MSU’s 28 baskets against UWGB... 1st on the team/8th in the league in assists, 1st/3rd in 3-pointers made
#5 Dennis Woodall, F
Has played only three minutes in the last six games... shooting 29% from both the free throw line and the three-point circle... hasn’t hit a three-pointer in a month... started four non-conference games... scored 17 points as a starter in a three-game stretch against UWGB/MSUN/UNC, 12 points in the six games before that... had his first two-steal game against Northern... shooting 36% from the field, 35% from the line... played 21 minutes at Idaho State
#12 Ryan Holmes, G
Shooting 0-for-5 from the floor without scoring in the last three games... had four assists with one turnover last weekend... had 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting with four boards in 37 minutes vs. Sac & NAU at home... saw season-high 18 minutes against Sac at home... didn’t score in the first seven games... 6-for-24 from the field before the Sac/NAU home weekend, 9-of-18 since... has 13 assists
#20 Carson Durr, F
Made his first field goal in five games and finished 3-for-4 from the line against UM... was 2-for-3 with two blocks at Sac State... picking up minutes as MSU’s backup power forward in recent games... hit a big jumper in the second half against Idaho State... hit his first three-pointer in 16 games against NAU.. season-high three boards in back-to-back games (Tech/Nebr)... a good defender and passer
#22 Nick Dissly, F
Has shot under 50% in three straight... took over the Idaho State home game with back-to-back threes and moments later back-to-back steals... led MSU with nine boards and five assists against the Griz at home... career-high 4 steals vs. ISU, and seven in the last two games... has at least six boards in five of the last eight... his 39 threes last year was 2nd-best ever by MSU frosh... season-high six assists against Wyoming... three steals against UWGB... 10th in the Sky in steals (1.3) and assists (2.7)
#23 Ja’Ron Jefferson, G
Missed his first eight shots against ISU last Thursday... his 8-for-13 night against Weber is his only in the last eight over 50%... earned Big Sky POW honors for hitting the game-winner and scoring 25 at UM... averaging 13 points as a starter, and has led the ‘Cats in scoring seven times... grabbed a career-high 10 boards for his 1st career double-double vs. Weber... season-high eight assists at PSU... is 5th in the league in steals (1.7), 10th in scoring (12.3)
#33 Taylor Pratt, F
Second on the team and 3rd in the Big Sky with 1.1 blocks a game, and had four last weekend... 9-for-10 shooting in the last seven games and 15-for-21 in the last 17, but has no more than two attampts against a Big Sky opponent... has played more than 10 minutes in five straight... six points last time out at Sac State
#42 Marvin Moss, F
Team leader in scoring (12.9) and boards (7.1)... has scored in double-digits in four straight... shooting 45-for-79 (57%) in the last seven... has led the Bobcats in rebounds in 16 of the 25 games... 7th in the Big Sky in scoring, 4th in boards, 7th in FG%... has three double-doubles, and one other game with double-digit rebounds... Big Sky POW 1/10
#52 Matt Towsley, C
Is most likely out for the season with a back injury...had at least four boards in the first three games, but only 10 in his last 10... blocked two Weber State shots... had six blocks in the first three games, but only four since... shooting just 37% from the floor
#55 Al Beye, C
Now ninth in MSU history with 37 blocked shots this year... hit 14 straight FGs covering the PSU/ISU games and parts of the NAU and Weber games... has failed to block a shot only once this year, and has eight games with at least three... his 37 blocks is the most in the Big Sky... missed the first nine games with a knee injuiry... had 16 rebounds in the ISU/WSU home weekend... has three nine-rebound games... leads the team in shooting (61%)
GAME FACTS
TIP vs. PSU 7:05 pm
SITE Bozeman, MT
ARENA Worthington Arena
RADIO Bobcat Network/Kris Atteberry
TV none
TIP vs. EWU 7:05 pm
SITE Bozeman, MT
ARENA Worthington Arena
RADIO Bobcat Network/Kris Atteberry
TV none
HIGHLIGHTS
* Montana State is 9-2 at home this season after starting the year 1-2 in Worthington Arena
* The ‘Cats have clinched their first winning record in Big Sky play since the championship season of 2002
STREAKS
* Montana State’s string of 10 straight wins when shooting better than its opponent from the field ended in Hornet Gym on Saturday
* Al Beye has blocked a shot in three straight and in 15 of his 16 games as a Bobcat
* MSU has turned the ball over no fewer than 16 times in the last nine games
* Montana State has lost six straight games to Eastern Washington
NOTEWORTHY
* After 25 games, Montana State has been outscored on the season 1,660-to-1,659
* Montana State has blocked 103 shots this year, the third-highest total in school history
* The Bobcats have held Big Sky opponents to 39.5% shooting this year, the best field goal defense rate in the Big Sky
THIS WEEK
From Bobcat Coach Mick Durham
On Portland State: “Portland State is the best team in the league, with Will Funn running the show and Seamus Boxley inside. Jake Schroeder is back, and he gives them an added dimension from outside. We’re excited to see how we stack up with them, if we’ve improved since the last time.” On Eastern Washington: “Eastern Washington has definitely had our number lately. They really took it to us in the first game, their pressure bothered us and we didn’t guard Marc Axton very well. They have been hard to figure out, they’ve struggled some at home.” On the Big Sky Tournament scenarios: “We know we’re in the tournament, and that wins this weekend get us higher seeds. I’m not one that gets caught up in figuring out all the different possibilities. We’re excited to be home for the last two regular season games, and I’d love to have a bye in the tournament, so our focus is to have a good weekend, earn a bye, and when it’s all over we’ll see where the tournament is.”
NOTING THE VIKINGS
Portland State clinched a share of its first-ever Big Sky title with MSU’s loss last Saturday, and looks to clinch the outright championship and host role for the Big Sky Tourney with a win over MSU or Montana this weekend... Portland State is the best shooting in the Big Sky, and is second-best in field goal defense... PSU is led by likely Big Sky MVP Seamus Boxley, a forward who leads the league in scoring (20.4) and is second in rebounding (8.0) and shooting (59.3%)... Viking guard Will Funn is among the nation’s leaders in assists (7.8), easily the best rate in the Big Sky.
NOTING THE EAGLES
Eastern Washington can finish anywhere from third to eighth this week, and with a pair of wins clinch a spot in the post-season tourney... one win most likely gets the Eagles in... this weekend marks the last regular season games for Eagle star Marc Axton, an all-league player who is fourth in the conference in scoring.
SCOPING THE BOBCATS
Last Time Out
Sacramento State got a key defensive stop on a DaShawn Stevenson steal in the last 10 seconds to fend off Montana State’s second-half comeback attempt. Sac State’s 70-68 win handed Portland State a share of the Big Sky regular season title for the first time in school history. Jameel Pugh scored 26 points on Senior Night.
Three After Three
MSU has hit at least one three-pointer in the last 326 games. From 1986 to late ‘92-93 MSU rolled up 197 straight games with a trey, giving MSU at least one three in 523 of the last 524 games.
The Three Company
This year’s Bobcat team has not been afraid to cast away from three-point range. MSU has hit 7.6 treys a game, the best rate in the Big Sky, and has attempted 535 three-pointers, also the most in the conference. MSU tied school records by hitting 14 and attempting 35 three-pointers against Wyoming.
The Magic Number
The Bobcats are 106-15 when scoring at least 80 points since ‘93-94.
Rebounding Remarks
Montana State has struggled in rebounding most of the season, but it appears that the team is making headway. MSU has moved up to sixth in the Big Sky in rebound margin (-2.9, ahead of Sac State and Idaho State), largely on the strength of a solid performance of late. MSU outrebounded ISU 41-to-25 and league-leading Weber 42-to-31, and was within two of UM.
Rebounding Redux
It’s true that the Bobcats outrebounded only one of its first seven Big Sky opponents. However, MSU has been even or positive in rebound margin in five of the 12 league games, and are virtually even in rebounding in home games.
Window Cleaner
Marvin Moss has been MSU’s top board man. His 7.1 average is fourth in the BSC.
Sweeps & Breakthroughs
MSU has swept three Big Sky foes -- Weber, ISU, and Montana -- after not getting a single sweep last year. The Weber-ISU road sweep was MSU’s first in three years. The three road wins matches the total for the previous two years combined (two in 2003, one in ‘04).
Charity
The 13 free throws made at Sac State were five more than it attempted at NAU. MSU has made 1.5 more free throws in home games than road games this year.
Mick’s Milestones
Mick Durham owns two Big Sky records that are likely to stand the test of time. Durham’s Bobcats have won 230 games, the most in conference history, including 115 conference tilts, also a league best.
Shot Swattin’
Montana State has 103 blocked shots this year, second-best in school history and six shy of the school record. Al Beye’s 37 blocks in ninth in MSU annals.
Turnover Turnarounds
Montana State has endured three major trends in turnovers this season...
Record TOs Forced Margin
First 6 1-5 17.7 15.5 -1.2
Next 11 8-3 12.9 14.7 +1.8
Last 8 4-4 17.1 16.0 -1.1
More D-D-D-Defense
Since the season opener, MSU has held its opponent to below 50% shooting in 39 of the 47 halves, and below 40% 19 times.
Where the Action Is
Forty-four percent of MSU’s shots (608-of-1,394) and 35% of the team’s points (596 of 1,659) are from beyond the arc.
ONE-LINERS
On the Offense...
Montana State shot 50% from the field in three of the 13 non-conference games, but has reached that mark in four of its 12 conference contests... the ‘Cats haven’t shot 50% in the last four games... MSU has shot over 70% from the line in two of the last five games, but have shot 67% or better four times in that span... while Al Beye and Dennis Woodall are shooting 23% (9-for-44) from the line, the rest of the team is 67% (246-for-367)... MSU has hit 192 threes this year, and would need to average 13 a game if it played four more.
On the Defense...
Only CSU and UWGB -- in back-to-back games -- have shot better than 50% against the ‘Cats... Montana State has held three of the last four and eight of its 12 Big Sky opponents to 40% shooting or less... the ‘Cats have averaged four blocks a game since Al Beye joined the starting lineup, and has at least six in three of the last four games... MSU held Sac State to 35% shooting last time out, but the Hornets shot 45.5% from beyond the arc and 73.7% from the free throw line
Lineup Notes
Montana State used five different starting lineups in the team’s 13-game non-conference schedule, but has changed lineups only once in league play... Marvin Moss is the only Bobcat to start all 25 games... MSU has used four different starting centers... two different Bobcats have started at both guard positions... MSU is 13-10 since Ja’Ron Jefferson joined the starting lineup.
Playoff Possibilities
The Big Sky Tournament picture became somewhat clearer last weekend, but still only three teams have clinched spots, and the title remains up for grabs, if barely... Portland State has clinched a share of the championship, and with one win or one Bobcat loss will host the tournament... Montana State is the only team other than PSU in the title hunt, and needs a win over the Vikings Thursday and help from the Grizzlies in the form of a UM win over PSU on Saturday to have a chance at hosting... MSU needs a win to clinch second place and a top two seeding which would result in a first-round bye... both Montana and Sac State remain in the hunt for second... those teams, along with Weber State, Eastern Washington and NAU are in the melange of tangled possibilities for spots three through seven... only Idaho State, at 3-9, has been eliminated.
#3 Casey Durham, G
His 45 threes is second-most in school history by a frosh... scored career-high 18 points on six threes against Griz at home... the UM game was his first over 50% since suffering a concussion in the Grizzly game at Missoula... has no more than two turnovers in any league game... 4th in the Big Sky in three-point percentage (.391), 8th in three-pointers made (1.9)... 2nd on the team with 45 treys and 115 attempts
#4 Branden Miller, G
Is 8-for-20 from beyond the arc in the last three games... has been in double-figures three straight times after being shut out against Weber at home... hit a three-pointer with 3.7 to play to beat Sac State in Bozeman... 184 of his 281 field goal attempts (61%) are from outside the circle... either scored (10) or assisted on (5) 15 of MSU’s 28 baskets against UWGB... 1st on the team/8th in the league in assists, 1st/3rd in 3-pointers made
#5 Dennis Woodall, F
Has played only three minutes in the last six games... shooting 29% from both the free throw line and the three-point circle... hasn’t hit a three-pointer in a month... started four non-conference games... scored 17 points as a starter in a three-game stretch against UWGB/MSUN/UNC, 12 points in the six games before that... had his first two-steal game against Northern... shooting 36% from the field, 35% from the line... played 21 minutes at Idaho State
#12 Ryan Holmes, G
Shooting 0-for-5 from the floor without scoring in the last three games... had four assists with one turnover last weekend... had 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting with four boards in 37 minutes vs. Sac & NAU at home... saw season-high 18 minutes against Sac at home... didn’t score in the first seven games... 6-for-24 from the field before the Sac/NAU home weekend, 9-of-18 since... has 13 assists
#20 Carson Durr, F
Made his first field goal in five games and finished 3-for-4 from the line against UM... was 2-for-3 with two blocks at Sac State... picking up minutes as MSU’s backup power forward in recent games... hit a big jumper in the second half against Idaho State... hit his first three-pointer in 16 games against NAU.. season-high three boards in back-to-back games (Tech/Nebr)... a good defender and passer
#22 Nick Dissly, F
Has shot under 50% in three straight... took over the Idaho State home game with back-to-back threes and moments later back-to-back steals... led MSU with nine boards and five assists against the Griz at home... career-high 4 steals vs. ISU, and seven in the last two games... has at least six boards in five of the last eight... his 39 threes last year was 2nd-best ever by MSU frosh... season-high six assists against Wyoming... three steals against UWGB... 10th in the Sky in steals (1.3) and assists (2.7)
#23 Ja’Ron Jefferson, G
Missed his first eight shots against ISU last Thursday... his 8-for-13 night against Weber is his only in the last eight over 50%... earned Big Sky POW honors for hitting the game-winner and scoring 25 at UM... averaging 13 points as a starter, and has led the ‘Cats in scoring seven times... grabbed a career-high 10 boards for his 1st career double-double vs. Weber... season-high eight assists at PSU... is 5th in the league in steals (1.7), 10th in scoring (12.3)
#33 Taylor Pratt, F
Second on the team and 3rd in the Big Sky with 1.1 blocks a game, and had four last weekend... 9-for-10 shooting in the last seven games and 15-for-21 in the last 17, but has no more than two attampts against a Big Sky opponent... has played more than 10 minutes in five straight... six points last time out at Sac State
#42 Marvin Moss, F
Team leader in scoring (12.9) and boards (7.1)... has scored in double-digits in four straight... shooting 45-for-79 (57%) in the last seven... has led the Bobcats in rebounds in 16 of the 25 games... 7th in the Big Sky in scoring, 4th in boards, 7th in FG%... has three double-doubles, and one other game with double-digit rebounds... Big Sky POW 1/10
#52 Matt Towsley, C
Is most likely out for the season with a back injury...had at least four boards in the first three games, but only 10 in his last 10... blocked two Weber State shots... had six blocks in the first three games, but only four since... shooting just 37% from the floor
#55 Al Beye, C
Now ninth in MSU history with 37 blocked shots this year... hit 14 straight FGs covering the PSU/ISU games and parts of the NAU and Weber games... has failed to block a shot only once this year, and has eight games with at least three... his 37 blocks is the most in the Big Sky... missed the first nine games with a knee injuiry... had 16 rebounds in the ISU/WSU home weekend... has three nine-rebound games... leads the team in shooting (61%)
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
