Tyler Buckentine
Free Press Staff Writer
ST PETER — This one might be tough to get over.
When the Minnesota State men’s basketball lost at Augustana in January, it was easy to explain. Augustana is a tough place to play, and the Mavericks had won 17 straight to open the season so they weren’t likely to go unbeaten. Minnesota State didn’t shoot very well, making 1 of 14 from 3-point range, but it’s usually more difficult to shoot on the road.
Then came the loss at St. Cloud State two weeks ago, though that was another one that was easy to figure. Halenbeck Hall is a tough arena for visitors, and the Huskies were the preseason favorites in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, led by center Matt Schneck, who should be the conference player of the year.
But on Wednesday, the Mavericks took a rare loss at home, allowing Augustana to gain a shot of confidence with a 72-71 victory in front of the biggest crowd of the season. You can focus on Augustana hitting a shot in the final seconds, or you can look at Minnesota State’s failed attempts at the buzzer.
But this loss came down to free throws. Fifteen feet of potential hell, no one in front of you but everyone watching you. And if you miss one, the next one gets harder.
The Mavericks made only 17 of 29 free throws (58.6 percent). Had they made their season average of nearly 75 percent, the Mavericks would have won by three. Had Minnesota State made free throws early in the game, Augustana would have been down double digits, and who knows how that might have changed the outcome?
As it was, missed free throws allowed the Vikings to stay close, and they responded with a gritty victory in a building that has caused that program great pain in the last few seasons.
This victory has to shake the confidence of the Mavericks, who must win at Mary on Saturday to share the conference championship and have a chance to host the Northern Sun and Central Region tournaments. Only one team has won at Mary this season, and Bismarck, N.D., is not an easy place to go for a one-game road trip.
The Mavericks sit in an interesting position, sitting at 23-3 for the season, but two of those losses coming in the last three games. Defensive intensity and balanced performance have been trademarks of Minnesota State’s team, yet in the loss at St. Cloud and at home to Augustana, it was the opponent that played with more efficiency and desire. There have been games in which 10 players would contribute significantly to Minnesota State victories, but some of those players are not producing as the season reaches its most important games.
Certainly, the future still looks good for the Mavericks, who were ranked No. 1 in the region before Wednesday’s loss. A victory over Mary and some success in the conference tournament would probably still send the region’s best eight tams to Mankato in mid-March.
But Wednesday’s loss might be tough to overcome in such a short time.
Chad Courrier is a Free Press staff writer. To contact him, call 507-344-6353 or e-mail at ccourrier@mankatofree press.com or check out his local sports blog at www.mankatofreepress.com
