MSU-Northern Lights basketball struggled in its most recent matchup on the hardwood, losing to Dickinson State at the Armory Gym, (79-69). New Media Broadcasters caught up with head coach Shawn Huse and he said the experience of the latest defeat matched up with ones from earlier this campaign and discussed the root of the problem.
“I think at the end of these games, the experience is waning out on us and it’s going to take us some time,” Huse said. “We’ve had three of these games where it’s just a six-point game with a couple minutes left.”
“We just can’t seem to close strong yet,” Huse continued. “That’s probably the frustration. All you can do is just hang in there and keep working and fighting.”
“That’s what these guys are doing,” Huse said. “We (got to) make sure we apply it when the games roll around and I think we will sooner or later. I think it’ll start to click.”
Huse and the Lights will be traveling to Dickinson, ND for games post-Thanksgiving against Valley City State and a rematch with Dickinson State. Huse previewed both matchups, but said the key will be getting that first victory against a Valley City team that plays a completely different brand of basketball compared to Dickinson State and others.
“Valley is a team that likes to try to turn you over and then they’ve definitely shown a lot of pressing this year and a lot of trying to get things done in the full-court game,” Huse said. “Whereas Dickinson’s a little more of a halfcourt game challenge, as is most of our opponents and our conference opponents.”
“It’s a little different style here that we’re having to get ready for (with Valley City),” Huse continued.
The Lights will follow the Skylights each night in Dickinson, playing Valley City on Friday around 5pm and Dickinson State around 7pm Saturday night.
