March 10, 2009
Final Stats
Pocatello, ID --- Idaho State cut a 21-point deficit to just three with 1:21 left, but ISU couldn't get any closer, and PSU hit five seven throws in the final 48.5 seconds as they barely held off Idaho State 61-53 in the semifinals of the Big Sky Conference Tournament. Idaho State, which was looking for their first Big Sky championship appearance since the 1994 season, ends their run at 13-19 for the year.
The Bengals had to fight through a first half that saw Portland State hit 7-of-8 three-pointers during one stretch as they outscored ISU 21-8 over the final eight minutes of the half. The Bengals were forced into a shorthanded situation after both Donnie Carson and Matt Stucki each picked up first half fouls. Felix Caspari hit a basket near the end of the half to give him six points and cut PSU's 21-point lead to 42-23 at the break.
However, Idaho State came out on fire in the second half, but no matter the rally, Idaho State was done in by an inability to hit a three-pointer, going a very unlucky 0-for-13 for the game. The Bengals opened the second half on a wild 18-3 run to quickly get the game back in reach at 45-41 with 12:03 to go. The Bengals got several looks from Lucas Steijn, who ended the run with a nifty layup, and six points from Amorrow Morgan, who suffered through a miserable 1-for-12 start but ended the game 5-for-19, scoring 14 points and grabbing a career-high nine rebounds.
Idaho State had several chances to cut the lead further, missing three shots including two threes. Andre Murray finally responded for the Vikings, scoring five points to get the game back in PSU's favor at 52-43, but ISU fought back again, and Amorrow Morgan's acrobatic layup through traffic made it 52-49 with 2:36 left. Phil Nelson and Morgan traded baskets and it was 54-51 with 1:24 left, but with the shot clock at three, Jeremiah Dominguez threw up a wild shot that hit the side of the backboard, but he got to the line on the play, hitting one.
Morgan then drove the lane and his running shot went in and out, forcing a quick foul. The teams traded two points, and ISU fouled Murray, who missed the front end with 18.4 left, but the ball clanged off the rim oddly, and Murray got his own rebound. PSU then made four foul shots to end the game.
The Bengals end their season with a loss to Portland State in the semifinals for the second straight year. Steijn tied his career-high with 16 points, Morgan added 14, and Chron Tatum had 10 for ISU. Murray scored 21 to lead all, Phil Nelson added 14 and Dominguez had 10. ISU outrebounded PSU 38-31.
NOTES: Idaho State also didn't hit a three-pointer in their 21-point win over Montana State ... ISU was 15-of-19 from the line ... Lucas Steijn also added a career-high three steals.
