February 15, 2008...2:07 am
First half of the USD-MSU-Mankato men’s game
The Mavericks jump out to a quick 2-0 lead. Atila Santos got the first bucket and so far it seems he is going to touch the ball in every possession for the Mavericks. It looks like the Mavericks want him involved early. He just got to the line and forced the foul on Steve Smith. It is important that Smith stays out of foul trouble in order to contain Santos. He should be the one looking to draw the foul on Santos. It does look like Steve is going to do that as he just put a bucket it. Steve did that in the previous match-up and that will be key again. At 18:00, it is 4-2 Coyotes.
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Steve Smith did what the Coyotes couldn’t afford. He already has two fouls in 3:00 minutes of play. Rane Mergen checked in and picked up a quick foul as well. The Coyotes HAVE to stay out of foul trouble. Tyler Cain has zero fouls and look for him to hopefully become a factor inside. Cain just blocked Santos who was going up for the dunk! Eric Hall is stepping up as he got into position to cause a charge and then went inside against Santos for a layup. Watch for Dylan Grimsley and Eric Hall to go inside more with Smith out. At the 15:00 mark, the game is tied at 8.
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Cain is showing is he going to contest with Santos at every chance. He isn’t going to let Santos come down with an easy rebound and is going to work him to the bone on the offensive end. This is key for the Coyotes because it should wear Santos out and when Santos checks out, the Coyotes can bring in Nick Morrell to play inside. At the 13:00 mark, the game is tied at 10.
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For a game as this and an arena as nice as this, the crowd for Mankato is very disappointing. I know it isn’t hockey, which your team isn’t that great in the first place, but your basketball team is leading the NCC. Seriously, this place is half full at best. I know it is cold but you think they would find a way to make the game. Heck, we traveled from South Dakota and the roads were suppose to be bad. Not a great commitment on Mankato’s part. Very sad really. With Santos out, both teams have turned to the outside games and jumpers. The game remains physical and Santos is getting ready to check in. Cain is on the bench for the Coyotes as well. At the 10:00 mark, we have our friendly media timeout with Mankato leading 20-18.
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Coach Dave Boots is taking a risk and put Steve Smith back into the game with two fouls. Hopefully he can stay at two until half. Look for Cain to check in for Smith when he comes back into the game. The good thing is Smith is not backing down to Santos at all. Cain just checked into the game for Mitch Begeman actually. The Coyotes will have good size in the lineup and Smith will have to watch himself. He has played smart so far and has forced anyone going inside to alter their shots. Smith is the X-Factor of this game. Smith and Cain are looking for their shots inside still. The Mavericks still hold a lead with 6:30 to go in the half at 24-20. Coach Boots is not happy with the officiating and he letting the ref know every time down the court.
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Smith is getting the ball about every time down the court for the Coyotes. He has made some nice passes outside and Hall just nailed a three. The Mavericks are making sure they keep a body close on Grimsley and he hasn’t had much room to break free. The Coyotes will need Grimsley to find a way to get open for the Coyotes to break free. Also, the threes are starting to fall for the Coyotes as Begeman just hit a three. It is obvious Coach Boots is not happy with the quality of play the Coyotes are producing or the officiating in the game. If he isn’t animated at the players on the court, he is talking to the officials telling them what he sees they are doing wrong. Expect an animated Boots in the locker room at half and many adjustments to be made. At halftime, the Mavericks lead 41-34 as Preston Whitaker hit a three with 3 seconds left.
—-Justin Rust
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