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Cats close out conference play

MSU guard Oliana Squires escapes CSUS defense during the women's basketball game against Sacramento State on Thursday, Mar. 7. Photo by Amy Lynn Nelson.

The regular season is in the books for the 2018-2019 Bobcat basketball teams. Both teams performed well throughout the year, battling through player injuries and personal loss. The Cats closed out their seasons against Sacramento State and Portland State on March 7 and 9, respectively. MSU struggled in the final week losing three of four games.

Women’s

The Cats struggled throughout the first half against Sacramento State. Junior guard Oliana Squires captured the momentum in the second half to boost the Cats to a six point victory, 64-58. Squires led all scores with 23 points on the night to secure the Cats’ fifth place finish in conference after Eastern Washington lost that night.

Senior night followed on March 9 against Portland State. Two seniors were honored for their contributions to the program, guard Madisyn Shaide and forward Claire Lundberg.

Once the game started, the Cats raced out to a quick 7-0 lead, before conceding a 20-point run to end the quarter. The Cats shooting woes continued throughout the game, only amassing 17 points through the first 20 minutes. MSU picked it up in the second half, but a strong showing by the Vikings put the Cats away 66-58. Freshman forward Gabby Mochi and junior forward Blaire Braxton led the way for the Cats each scoring 11 points.

Season Wrap up

The Cats ended their season on a sour note, but placed accordingly with the preseason polls — finishing at 16-14 overall and 11-9 in conference, good for fifth in conference standings.

Men’s

The Cats went on the road to complete their regular season, first traveling to Sacramento to take on the Hornets. MSU came into the game holding the third spot in conference with just two games to play. The first half started with the Cats rushing out to an early lead, eventually growing it to 22-13 before the Hornets responded evening up the game’s score going into halftime. The Cats struggled mightily in the second half, shooting only 38 percent. In the end, the Hornets stung the Cats for the 70-67 victory. Senior guard Tyler Hall accounted for 34 of the 67 points the Cats scored.

MSU next traveled to Portland State to close out the season. The first half closed with junior guard Harald Frey being fouled and sinking two free throws to bring the Cats within one as the score sat at 42-41. The Cats played hard throughout, but could never muster a run large enough to catch up, eventually falling to Portland State 84-80. Hall and Frey combined for 57 of the Cats 80 point total, scoring 29 and 28 respectively.

Season Wrap-up

The Cats struggled in crunch time down the final stretch hurting them in conference standings. MSU finished 14-16 overall and 11-9 in conference. Due to tiebreakers, the Cats dropped to sixth in the standings.