#1 ESPN HIGHLIGHT

Admit it. You have been out in your driveway messing around crafting moves you dream would make it on the ESPN highlight real.

Yes, there is a time to focus and work on your game, and then there is a time to have fun.

Well, last night our men's team had a big night. They not only knocked off the number one seed in the Big Sky Tournament, and are heading to the championship game, BUT Will Bynum had the most amazing dunk of the season. And, GUESS what! It was the number one highlight on ESPN!



Congrats to our men for an incredible game, and good luck tonight, one game away from the big "dance." I think getting to the dance is the only thing at this point that could be more exciting than that dunk.

Go Cats!

Coach Bin

Tournament Bound

Well, it's that time of year when records are washed away and everyone begins a new season.

Ours begins Thursday. At this point of the year we win, or we go home. My dad gave me the best advice I'd ever heard last year before our Big Sky Tournament when he said, "you know, if you keep winning, you'll end up in the national tournament."

Yes dad, it's as easy and as difficult as that. Some have thoughts of sitting in front of the television Monday evening to hear what seed they would get for the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

However, for us here at Montana State, our only focus is how to defeat Northern Arizona on Thursday. That game is the only one that counts. Many people don't get a second chance at redeeming themselves, and a third opportunity is usually unheard of. It's an opportunity that was sure don't want to waste and one that NAU doesn't want to give.

One thing is for sure. IT WILL BE EXCITING!

Coach Bin

GAME TIME

I don't know if you are superstitious but game days bring out plenty for athletes and teams. I know some say they aren't superstitious, but I guarantee everyone has a consistent routine as they prepare.

As a former athlete, I had to have my Coca Cola and Listen to Led Zepplin's Ramble On before every game. Now as a coach it's a little more difficult to be superstitious with two children in the house. To try and squeeze a nap in would be a miracle.

Instead I rely on my shower "time" to focus on my pregame speech. I leave early enough for the gym that I can go over our game plan in my office before I head to the locker room. I suppose it's my own way of visualizing a game that is properly executed.

I will admit though, a certain song MAY just happen to be turned on in my car on the way over. The consistency of a routine is what brings out ones calmness.

7:00pm is tipoff! We'll see you all there with your own rituals before GAME TIME!

Coach Bin

PINK ZONE

These last two weeks the WBCA and women's basketball been raising breast cancer awareness. The "Pink Zone" as you call it has taken this awareness across the entire country.


We started off the campaign on our home floor verses NAU in our pink shooting shirts, pink headbands, and pink coaching clothes. With the officials jumping on board displaying their pink whistles we wrapped up the weekend at WSU with a great program at the conclusion of the game.

A former University of Utah student athlete spoke to the fans and both teams as a breast cancer survivor and the importance of early detection. I can't think of a more important message this past weekend than the one our student athletes heard sitting on the bench after our tremendous road sweep. As sweet as our success was this past weekend, nothing can come close to the impact of breast cancer on all of us.

The last number I heard was that the Pink Zone had raised nearly a million dollars over the last two weeks. If that isn't success I don't know what is. We all know the value and giving of sacrificing and taking care of others that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves.

Go see your doctor today! Early detection CAN save you.

Coach Bin

CAT CHAT

Our last Cat Chat of the season was last night where we talk with Jeff Lasky on the weekly radio broadcast. We finished off the night with Jamie Thornton. Jamie was asked about our ups and downs of the season and how hard that has been. Here was the answer.

"It's like a locomotive train going one way and taking dental floss to pull it another direction. It's not going to work."

Both Jeff and I grasped for understanding of the comment but still have yet to find the answer. Jamie pretty much stole the show with her humor. We discussed Jamie's math skills and tutoring the other student athletes and how the team likes to pick on Lyndi. We sure have a fun group to work with.

Although Cat Chat is now behind us, we still have a lot of season left. We hope to make a run here at the end. Let's hope we can go for distance!

Coach Bin

CAT/GRIZ

When I played in college at Boise State, we had quite a few rivalries. One of the biggest rivalries was the Boise State & Idaho one. I, however, don't hold it against anyone if they happen to support the WRONG colors. This includes my husband who picked me up on our first date with a VANDALS sticker on his pick up. I will admit, I almost didn't get in the truck.

The other rivalry while I was at BSU happened to be with the Montana Grizzlies who enjoyed their "Get Noisy For Boise" promotions. Our team enjoyed cutting off the noise at their place at times. I think those moments are almost as exciting as the LOUD ones.

Unfortunately this past week's Cat/Griz rivalry didn't go as we'd hoped. It was a battle to the wire, but one that a coach can find a lot of positives in. I am as competitive as they come, and HATE to lose, but the destination is the ultimate goal of the journey. Even though we didn't finish the buzzer with the W I feel that my team is headed in the right direction.

This will be as important week as any. We MUST get a home sweep. Please come out and support your Bobcats!

Coach Bin

All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait?

Nah! Not really. I think that is why it took so long for our team to get its first road win. We were waiting for it to happen rather than MAKING it happen.

Well, Saturday at Portland State our team actually MADE a change and came to win. Led by our tenacious Erica Perry our team came out determined. What did it take? 94 POINTS!

My inner voice, being Assistant Coach Justin Scanson, told me we just needed to outscore PSU. In the end, that is exactly what happened. It's such a simple game isn't it? My dad who is always notorious for his wisdom told me once that if our team kept winning we'd make the national championship.

I am proud of my team this weekend for not hanging their heads after our loss on Thursday but responding with perseverance that it was time to change course. Now it's time to show consistency.

Coach Bin