Bobcat men win three in a row

Photos and story by Mike Coil
Explorebigsky.com Sports Columnist

BOZEMAN – After a close overtime loss to the Grizzlies 71-76, the Bobcat men’s basketball team returned home on Jan. 21 to win three home games in a row. With the wins the Bobcats (6-4, 9-9) moved into third place in the Big Sky conference behind Montana (10-0, 14-4) and Weber State (8-2, 13-5).

On Jan. 21 the Cats beat Southern Utah (5-5, 7-12) 76-68. On Jan. 24 they handed Weber State their first conference loss 79-74 in an upset win, and on Jan. 26 the Cats prevailed over Idaho State (3-7, 4-15) in overtime 61-59.

In the contest with Idaho State, the Bobcats held a 45-28 lead early in the second half only to see the Bengals shoot their way back into the contest and end regulation tied at 57-57. In the overtime the Bengals only managed two points, both foul shots. Just 15 seconds later, the Cat’s center Paul Egwuonwu jammed one home off of an assist by Antonio Bigelow who then closed out the game with two free throws.

The Cats are on the road for their next two games against Eastern Washington (2-7, 4-15) and Portland State (3-6, 5-11). They return home on Feb. 7 to face North Dakota (5-5, 8-11).