Sunday, December 18
BOZEMAN
2 p.m.
Montana State University
vs
South Dakota
Zach Green
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
With Finals Finished, Cats Look for Defensive Improvement Sunday
12/17/2016 4:31:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MSU meets Coyotes for second time in eight days
Even with Christmas fast approaching, getting is more on Montana State basketball coach Brian Fish's mind than giving this weekend.
As in, getting more rebounds. Getting more stops. And getting better.
"This is the time of year when you can really improve," Fish said as finals week drew to a close on the MSU campus. "There aren't a lot of distractions, the players can focus on basketball, and you can take a step forward. You have to as a team, because every team has the same opportunity."
The Bobcats have dropped their last four games, facing an average rebound margin of -9.1 per game in that stretch. MSU's first two opponents of the season have topped 50% shooting for a game in those four games, leading Fish to emphasize defense and rebounding in the week since the South Dakota-Omaha road trip ended.
"We were able to do some fundamental work during the week while the guys were in finals," Fish said, "and that's important with this team. We need to make strides defensively, and a big part of that is rebounding."
While the Bobcats endured a tough Midwest road trip last week that included a loss at South Dakota, the Coyotes are on an even more challenging pre-Christmas Northwest swing. South Dakota lost 85-82 at Portland Friday when the Pilots hit a three-pointer with two seconds to play. After Sunday's game in Worthington Arena, USD visits Gonzaga on Wednesday.
Fish announced Saturday that the Cats will play short-handed Sunday. Forward Joe Mvuezolo Jr., the team's top reserve, will miss the game as MSU's sports medicine staff awaits the results of tests relating to a medical condition.
Sunday's 2 pm game is televised around the state by SWX Montana (ABC/Fox stations). The game is Teddy Bear Toss day, with fans asked to bring stuffed animals to throw onto the court at halftime. Those toys will be donated to Eagle Mount Bozeman.
As in, getting more rebounds. Getting more stops. And getting better.
"This is the time of year when you can really improve," Fish said as finals week drew to a close on the MSU campus. "There aren't a lot of distractions, the players can focus on basketball, and you can take a step forward. You have to as a team, because every team has the same opportunity."
The Bobcats have dropped their last four games, facing an average rebound margin of -9.1 per game in that stretch. MSU's first two opponents of the season have topped 50% shooting for a game in those four games, leading Fish to emphasize defense and rebounding in the week since the South Dakota-Omaha road trip ended.
"We were able to do some fundamental work during the week while the guys were in finals," Fish said, "and that's important with this team. We need to make strides defensively, and a big part of that is rebounding."
While the Bobcats endured a tough Midwest road trip last week that included a loss at South Dakota, the Coyotes are on an even more challenging pre-Christmas Northwest swing. South Dakota lost 85-82 at Portland Friday when the Pilots hit a three-pointer with two seconds to play. After Sunday's game in Worthington Arena, USD visits Gonzaga on Wednesday.
Fish announced Saturday that the Cats will play short-handed Sunday. Forward Joe Mvuezolo Jr., the team's top reserve, will miss the game as MSU's sports medicine staff awaits the results of tests relating to a medical condition.
Sunday's 2 pm game is televised around the state by SWX Montana (ABC/Fox stations). The game is Teddy Bear Toss day, with fans asked to bring stuffed animals to throw onto the court at halftime. Those toys will be donated to Eagle Mount Bozeman.
Players Mentioned
F
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