The Dinos men’s basketball team took a break from their regular season Nov. 11-12 to travel to the U.S. and take on a pair of NCAA Division I teams. First on the list were the Montana State University Bobcats in Bozeman, Montana on Thursday night. Perhaps our men hit the “boze” too hard, because they couldn’t get it going when it counted the most. The game marked the end of the pre-season for the Bobcats and hot damn did they go out with a bang.
The Dinos were outperformed to say the least. While the Bobcats shot 53 per cent from the floor, our boys were kept to 31 per cent. MSU grabbed 46 total rebounds with the Dinos taking just 38. This may not sound too bad yet, then whammo! The final score was 103-55. Somebody get a few rolls of bandages, we’ve got some pride to heal.
Unfortunately, Friday night’s game in Provo, Utah against the Brigham Young University Cougars did little to aid the repridification process. The Cougars, also wrapping up their pre-season play, managed an early lead. Springing ahead 51-23 by the half, the Cougars were able to relax and cruise to an 86-52 victory. Although the Cougars bested the Dinos in field goal percentage, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals, there was one saving grace.
“These guys are all true athletes,” observed Chris Wright, “the best at what they do.”
Wright led the game in points at 15. He also led the Dinos in rebounds and assists at nine and three respectively. Rick Brar put forth all he had, achieving 10 points towards the Dino loss in his 16 minutes on the floor.
“I wouldn’t expect to go down and win either game or be super competitive,” admitted Head Coach Dan Vanhooren.
Despite the thrashings, our boys learned a lot last weekend and hope to please and excite at their first home series against the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns. Games are in the Jack Simpson Gymnasium Nov. 19-20 beginning at 8 p.m.
“We don’t want them to come to our gym and win a game,” Vanhooren smiled.