Game Notes

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THE OPENING TIP
The Bearcats hit the road to face Truman State and look to continue to climb up the MIAA rankings. Fans can catch the game live on KBFL 99.9, or find live video online at www.AmericaOne.com.

THE COACHES AND ALL-TIME SERIES
SBU head coach Jeff Guiot continues in his seventh season on the Bearcat bench, where he has won three MIAA regular season titles, and compiled a 134-58 (.698) record. Coach Guiot has led the 'Cats to an MIAA Tournament appearance each season, and three NCAA Tournament appearnaces. Last season, SBU won 20 games for the third consecutive season, marking the first time in the history of the program the feat has been accomplished.

Jack Schrader is in his 16th season on the Truman bench, where he has compiled a 160-259 record. Truman claimed the 1999 MIAA Tournament Championship, and reached the Elite Eight, it's best season to date under Schrader.

SBU leads the all-time series with Truman, 27-17,with the Bearcats winning the last six meetings.

LAST TIME OUT FOR THE BEARCATS
Bolivar, Mo. - The Southwest Baptist Bearcats won a thrilling match-up against the Pittsburg State Gorillas, 82-73, in Bolivar tonight. SBU was able to come back from 15 down in the first half to improve their home record to 8-2, and their overall record to 10-10 (7-7 MIAA). “The guys decided to step up and play. They could have folded and not played well” head coach Jeff Guiot stated of his team after the victory, “but I thought they showed a lot of character and heart.”

The Bearcats had four players in double figures, including senior Kurt Koeing. Koeing lead the Bearcats with 17 points on seven of nine shooting from the field. Junior's Ryan Dougherty and Tre Smith pitched in 14 and 15 points, respectfully, and freshman Zach Kliene contributed 14 points. “We showed a lot of hustle play,” coach Guiot stated, “and when you hustle like that, you get good shots.”

The Bearcats were very efficient from the field, shooting a season high 60.0% (27-45) from the field, and an astonishing 72.2% in the second half. SBU also forced 19 turnovers, and produced a season low 12 turnovers. “When we are active on our offense and defense, we are hard to beat” coach Guiot said after the game.

QUICK HITS
• Junior guard Kurt Koenig had a spectacular performance Thursday night (Feb. 3) against Pittsburg State, scoring 17 points on 7 of 9 shooting from the field.

• Junior guard Ryan Dougherty is the leading scorer for the Bearcats averaging 14.6 points per game, He also leads the Bearcats in field goal made (5.2 p/g), and minutes played per game (29.3 p/g).

• Junior forward Robson Memnon along with sophomore forward Steven Cotten are the inside prescene for the Bearcats. The big men average a combined 14.5 points per game and 9.9 rebounds per game.

•The Bearcats have two of the top five best three-point shooters in the MIAA. Junior Nick James holds the second highest spot (.471), and senior Tomas Brock holds the fifth spot in the MIAA (.444).


•Freshman Lane Barlow, along with freshman Zach Kleine continue to make an impact for the Bearcats. The freshman duo average a combined 11.2 points per game.

• SBU is 10-10 overall and 7-7 in the conference. The Bearcats are tied for eighth in the MIAA standings, and average 81.0 points per game (3rd in the MIAA).

Scouting the Bulldogs
Truman State is currently ranked fourth in the MIAA, with an overall record of 12-6 (8-6 MIAA). TSU averages 69.5 points per game (10th in the MIAA) with a field goal percentage of .425 (11th in the MIAA). The Bulldogs also average 35.8 rebounds per game (5th in the MIAA) and 4.0 steals per game (12th in the MIAA).

Senior guard Alex Henderson is the Bulldogs' leading scorer averaging 14.3 points per game. Henderson also averages 4.0 rebounds per game, 1.1 steals per game, and 3.1 assists per game.