The MSU-Northern Skylights basketball team played in Phoenix the week before Christmas and dropped all three contests, including two close defeats to Embry-Riddle and William Jessup University.
Coach Chris Mouat said there were inconsistencies throughout the three games, but didn’t waver in saying he wanted his team to play the best of the best, which was accomplished.
“I think too many turnovers was the standard in all three games. Each game was completely different than the other,” Mouat said. “I think we missed too many (layups). Fixable things, but they sure cost you in close games.”
“We had two close games that were winnable,” Mouat continued. “Our second game, we got our doors blown off before we even got on the floor.”
“We played three good teams out here. That’s why we come out,” Mouat said. “We’re not out to see teams that we can beat (100-50). We want to see teams that are good and on the verge of being in the top-25 nationally and (Embry-Riddle, Menlo, and Jessup) were three very quality teams.”
Mouat also gave New Media Broadcasters instant reaction from Friday morning’s game against Jessup in which he said the team was down and battled back, but came up just short with a winning effort on the floor.
“The fight was great, but the problem was we allowed their lead to balloon to 16 points in the third quarter,” Mouat said. “But I think for the kids to really battle and get in there and grind was something to be really proud of.”
“We found a way to match (Jessup’s) intensity and physicality,” Mouat continued. “(We) made some shots and got some stops and that’s not what it came down to.”
The Skylights will spend the next couple of days in the desert before heading home to finish out Christmas Break. Their next game will be on Dec. 28 against Ambrose University with a scheduled 2pm tip time from the Armory Gym. Listen to the game on KPQX with Noah Friedman calling that one
