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Show PACE 18 MONDAY THE THUNDERBIRD DECEMBER 5, 1988 SUSC proves it can win (CONTINUED FROM PACE 17) "We're a better team than we indicated the first half," said Roberts. Another key in the first half was eight 'Bird turnovers in the first nine minutes. But SUSC stuck it out thanks to Naulls who, on a steal with 8:48 to play, narrowed the NAU lead to six, 23-- 1 7. On the next play, however, 'Jack guard Anthony Valentine bagged a trey, and 'Bird freshman Chris Koford missed two free throws, and NAU once again ran away with the lead 30-1NAU's zone defense took away SUSC's outside shot and forced them to take it inside, but the physical style of play and poor shooting under the basket legitimized the 'Jack strategy. However, that strategy did not work in the second half as SUSC called the 'Jacks on the bluff. Naulls had 13 in the first half to keep SUSC in the game though the 'Birds trailed 40-2- 9 at halftime. In the second half the 'Birds outscored NAU Despite poor field goal shooting in the first half SUSC could have remained close hitting their free throws. NAU put the 'Birds on the line 53 times and in the process fouled out five players. The physical style and personal foul strategy seemed to work the first half, but the 'Birds regained their composure and began to hit in the second half. The first 1 1 minutes of the second half the 'Birds went on a 22-- 7 run. After tying the score at 51, though, SUSC could not seem to get over the hump to take the lead. The lead seesawed back and forth until Chris Naulls scored a layup with 6:16 left to play that put the 'Birds up for good. 8. 51-2- (irinnnf) TZZZ7 6. Chris Naulls had 14 points in the second half to fuel the scoring burn. Lee also added 13 in the second half total. Robert Nakken to his had nine in the second half and 1 1 on the night. One of the keys to the second half foray was the 'Bird defense. SUSC forced 19 'Jack turnovers and grabbed rune steals which resulted in several fast break points. Both Lee and freshman Kurt Bailey had good defensive showings, and Randy Simkins hauled down eight rebounds for the 'Birds as they ran their record to 1 The only 'Bird loss came Nov. 28 when Weber State visited SUSC for 14-poi- nt 3-- . the first time in history. Rico Washington led the scoring for the Wildcats with 23 in the 78-7- 3 triumph. Lee led SUSC with 26 in the losing effort. Simkins had 16 points and 13 rebounds. "Our ability to get the ball inside was the key to our win," said first-yeWildcat Head Coach Denny Huston. "They were shooting from the perimeter well. The second half we didn't do well stopping their penetration," he said. The Weber game started as a blowout and looked as if the older and more experienced 'Cats would teach the 'Birds a thing or two, but a with 1:05 left Lee three-pointar er narrowed the Wildcat lead to six, 72-6After a Washington layup, Simkins hit two free throws. With one second remaining freshman walk-o- n guard Mike Dean bagged a trey to close the gap to five, 78-7"They put pressure on you and use the strength of their inside players a great deal," said Roberts to explain the loss. "Every time we'd get close they'd come down and score. They took care of the ball and it was difficult to get the ball away from them," he said. "Effort is a big factor in games and eventually that will win games," said Roberts. "I'm not disappointed in effort, I'm disappointed in production." 6. 3. CEDAR AUTO SUPPLY 65 WEST CENTER MURDOCK a SYTOEMY SIPECQAL! f ! ; SILVERLINE 3 YEAR BATTERY onlySH95 i ! 1 i jTHE POWER 6 YEAR BATTERY i only$495 ONLY AT CEDAR AUTO SUPPLY, IQBC3I 65 W CENTER TRAVEL SCHOOL Become a Travel Professional! 10 Week Course Travel Career Counseling Hands-o- n Computer Training Destination Geography Placement Assistance Classes begin soon at Murdock Travel 362 W. SC George Blvd. St George, Utah 84770 (801)628-363- 5 |