Bobcats Fall in Portland
2/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Missed opportunities and a missing Ja'Ron Jefferson spelled doom for Montana State on Thursday, as Portland State beat the Bobcats 82-59.
The Vikings closed the first half with a 19-5 run to take command of the game. After leading 29-23 with 6:23 to play in the half, PSU led 48-28 at the intermission. The Bobcats would get no closer than 15 in the second half.
"Even though we kept it close (in the first half) we never were in a rhythm," said MSU coach Mick Durham. "It was a combination of everything. We are really searching for guys to score. They clamped down on Derrick after he hit a couple, Al got off to a slow start, Marvin is sick and maybe shouldn't have played. It was a tough night."
Portland State built its first half lead on the strength of 52% shooting, and finished the game 11-for-20 from three-point range. The Vikings committed just eight turnovers on the night, and balanced that with eight steals. MSU, on the other hand, turned the ball over 19 times.
"The turnover was kind of a bugaboo all night," Durham said. "They only shoot 40% in the second half, but we only came out and shoot 39%. We came out and competed in the second half, but we didn't really have anyone show good signs offensively."
Al Beye led the Bobcats with 15 points, seven rebounds, and six blocked shots. Marvin Moss, sick with the flu for the past two, chipped in 11 points and eight boards. Jefferson missed the trip with the flu.
The loss eliminates Montana State from contention for a first-round bye, although the 6-6 Bobcats can still finish anywhere from third to fifth. Portland State raises its record to 4-9, and stays alive for a Big Sky tourney berth.
The Vikings closed the first half with a 19-5 run to take command of the game. After leading 29-23 with 6:23 to play in the half, PSU led 48-28 at the intermission. The Bobcats would get no closer than 15 in the second half.
"Even though we kept it close (in the first half) we never were in a rhythm," said MSU coach Mick Durham. "It was a combination of everything. We are really searching for guys to score. They clamped down on Derrick after he hit a couple, Al got off to a slow start, Marvin is sick and maybe shouldn't have played. It was a tough night."
Portland State built its first half lead on the strength of 52% shooting, and finished the game 11-for-20 from three-point range. The Vikings committed just eight turnovers on the night, and balanced that with eight steals. MSU, on the other hand, turned the ball over 19 times.
"The turnover was kind of a bugaboo all night," Durham said. "They only shoot 40% in the second half, but we only came out and shoot 39%. We came out and competed in the second half, but we didn't really have anyone show good signs offensively."
Al Beye led the Bobcats with 15 points, seven rebounds, and six blocked shots. Marvin Moss, sick with the flu for the past two, chipped in 11 points and eight boards. Jefferson missed the trip with the flu.
The loss eliminates Montana State from contention for a first-round bye, although the 6-6 Bobcats can still finish anywhere from third to fifth. Portland State raises its record to 4-9, and stays alive for a Big Sky tourney berth.
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