Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE - The Montrose High boys basketball team was one basket short of a win Saturday evening.

They fell to the Fruita-Monument Wildcats 41-40.

The Indians had a big lead to start the game, but Fruita fought back toward the end of the first quarter to come within three points of Montrose.

MHS' Nathan Hawley works to split two defenders as he drives to the hoop during the second quarter of the Indians basketball game against Fruita-Monument Saturday evening. The Wildcats defeated the Indians 41-40. (Joel Blocker / Daily Press) Advertisement

Fruita pulled ahead in the second, leading 20-18 with four minutes to go, but Montrose finished the half only trailing 25-22.

Despite great looks by the Montrose players, the shots just didn’t fall in the first half, said Montrose High Head Coach Troy Youngren.

They did fall for a few players. Nate Robertson had 12 points in the first half and Brian Davidson had four.

Montrose expected competitive play, as Fruita had come off a huge win the night before. “They played us hard,” Youngren said.

The Indians began the second half strong and tied the game within seconds.

Seconds proved important, as the game remained close to the end. With 30 seconds left in the game, the Indians ran a play, but didn’t get the foul they anticipated. “The effort was there,” Youngren said, but Indians fell short of the win.

Robertson and Davidson remained high scorers throughout the game. Robertson had 17 points and Davidson had eight.

Comments

and one wrote on Feb 17, 2010 12:03 PM:

" About "Bill Russel's" comment, I also agree. But let me add this: "Lack of accountability leads to poor officiating, which leads to unnecessary injuries, which leads to a lack of durability in a young athlete." "




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current MHS parent wrote on Feb 17, 2010 11:55 AM:

" Hey past parent: NOTHING will matter to ME in 100 years, that is why I am interested in commentary concerning the things that DO matter to me right now. "




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Past MHS Parent wrote on Feb 16, 2010 10:50 PM:

" WOW.............Will all this really matter in 100 years?????? "




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Read the comments wrote on Feb 16, 2010 4:28 PM:

" Hey Mark,
There is in fact a comment on this blog criticizing the poor grammar used in the headline. If you bothered to read "proofreader's" comment you would have seen this. "




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Mark wrote on Feb 16, 2010 10:38 AM:

" Hey Judy,
Most folks aren't as simple-minded as those whom are unable to participate in more than one subject at one time.

By the way, I'm perplexed about the volume of comments on this blog, and not one mentions the awful grammar displayed in the article's heading. Are we a town of dunces? "




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righton wrote on Feb 15, 2010 12:17 PM:

" Good job, really! If someone wants to talk about Uranium, go to that blog! Sports programs provide outlets for young people for positive experiences. They also provide scholarship dollars for these athletes as well. Montrose basketball IS OUR PRIORITY right now. "




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really wrote on Feb 14, 2010 10:30 PM:

" "Judy J our priorities are with montrose BASKETBALL. That is why we are commenting on the basketball games and not the uranium mill. If you are going to question priorities at least get the sport right. "




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JudyJ wrote on Feb 14, 2010 9:52 PM:

" How interesting it is to me that so very many more people care more about commenting on school football than the proposed uranium mill. Where are our priorities? "




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Bill Russell wrote on Feb 13, 2010 9:48 PM:

" Durability is part of what makes a great athlete. "




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Truthsayer wrote on Feb 13, 2010 8:16 PM:

" The US Presidency is a "smart person's job" too, and just look what happened! Just because a coach SHOULD be smart doesn't make it so. "




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Proofreader wrote on Feb 13, 2010 8:09 PM:

" Shouldn't the headline be "Indians LOSE..." not "Indians LOSS..." - a verb instead of a noun? The Press's new editor needs to stop worrying about a school mascot and mind her own business, beginning with proper use of words. "




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Olathe Observer wrote on Feb 13, 2010 8:04 PM:

" Hey, we get the same garbage from these refs when then come to our little town. I have coined the phrase "Brotherhood of Botch" to describe them. "




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let it end wrote on Feb 13, 2010 5:55 PM:

" Hey, for all you critics and ex-players, DEFENSE wins games. Yes, fundamentals are right up there with it,but watching today, these boys need to move their feet and quit expecting the big guy block everything! Good hard nose defense fuels the offense and then RUN! "




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Smith wrote on Feb 13, 2010 1:22 PM:

" Hmmmm. Hey Christian Parent- Have you seen the movie Hoosiers? NO talent? Go watch the movie again and tell me there is no talent. That Jimmy kid was a machine, with the other returning Starters! It takes talent to win, but a good coach takes that talent to a new level and combines everything he has to work with. Its not a tough job, its a smart persons job. "




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Anonymous wrote on Feb 13, 2010 7:53 AM:

" Give credit when credit is due - want to congratulate the boys last night for their not complaining to the officials(and i'm sure it came down from the coach). we need to work on turnovers, but overall an improvement. "




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MHSINDIANS wrote on Feb 13, 2010 7:38 AM:

" Fundamentals are the key to winning.period. Troy is always blabbing
about how deep the bench is, when most games he only uses 6 or 7
players. The boys are in good shape but they get tired towards the end
of the game, which leads to missed free throws and poor defense. You will
never win any tough games if you never use your "deep bench." Also
next game watch coach youngren when the national anthem is being sung.
He just puts his arms behind his back. Role model???? "




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supportmhs wrote on Feb 12, 2010 5:56 PM:

" Hey folks! Stop this and come to support the kids no matter what! It is what it is so get over it! The townspeople bickering over who is in or who is out doesn't help the fact that we need to pack the gyms and help all our teams. make some noise and stop sitting on your hands, Montrose fans! "




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bobby wrote on Feb 12, 2010 5:48 PM:

" I am sure that was basketball I saw Tom playing 35 years ago. "




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Anonymous wrote on Feb 12, 2010 7:57 AM:

" concerned res - the point about being in the final four is that i know what it takes to get there. it's not about gloating. if you knew anything about basketball you'd know what i'm talking about. And Tom - everyone knows you never played a lick of basketball. you're just supporting troy because your son is going to playing golf and basketball next year. i feel bad for the kids because they don't get the coaching that we got. "




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concerned res wrote on Feb 12, 2010 7:42 AM:

" "Christian Parents" should remember that thou shall not judge. "




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Tom Sheaer wrote on Feb 11, 2010 2:18 PM:

" Heckava guy you are right!! The only thing is that this guys ego will not let him not have the last word. SO we need to quit so he can have the last yawp. The youg men on this team deserve to have this stop before they start believing this nit. "




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concerned res wrote on Feb 11, 2010 7:36 AM:

" Wow, I feel so lucky to be in the presence of a person who had been in a high school final four tourny. Whoopadeedoooo. Hey anonymous, it's easy to sit in the bleachers and criticize the coaching staff, but, I would be willing to guess that YOU never applied for the coaching position. If you had, I'm sure that they would have seen your resume' and said, "Hey, this guy's been in a high school final four, call him and offer him the job, he must know what he's doing!" "




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Anonymous wrote on Feb 11, 2010 7:03 AM:

" well i guess i don't know quite how to respond.... what's a whoopyding anyway? I do think with the talent on the floor at MHS(and not just the 5 who play), these kids should DOMINATE the SWL, not just win it. And the coachs are taking care of their morale - just go watch a few practices. As for the sharpie and whoopyding stuff - let's just stick to basketball ok? "




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christian parents wrote on Feb 11, 2010 3:07 AM:

" Concerned res has it going on. In Hoosiers they win without talent Montrose cant win with talent. If the coach is so great let him coach at a Division 1 school. Heck lets see him coach at a middle school. to see if he can win there? Thats right I said it it had to be said. THE COACH has got to go. "




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heckava guy wrote on Feb 10, 2010 6:24 PM:

" All knowing Anonymous....whoopyding to you. I don't care if you are coack K, it is your OPINION. Is it beyond you to actually encourage him or are you too good for that? You only see what you want to see. The team has a good chance to take SWL. In all your "final four" good intentoins, you only hurt their moral. Thanks so much for all you do!
Why don't you wear a sign to the game saying "Free Final Four Advice". I am sure you will get a crowd. Bring a sharpie. "




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Anonymous wrote on Feb 10, 2010 12:27 PM:

" heckuva guy and concerned res: dont' need to watch hoosiers. I played on a final four team in high school. I know good basketball when i see it. As for ignorance, i'll leave that to you. I want the kids to succeed in the worst way - but it takes being coached correctly and positive motivation. It's not the kids - they're a reflection of the coaching. "




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concerned res wrote on Feb 10, 2010 7:39 AM:

" Hey Anonymous,
You really do need to watch the movie "Hoosiers". Pay particular attention to how ignorant and clueless the fans were. "




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heckavu guy wrote on Feb 9, 2010 6:06 PM:

" Hey Mr. Anonymous
you would complain if you were hung with a new rope! You still wearing those tight shorts? "




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Tom Sheaer wrote on Feb 9, 2010 3:30 PM:

" I am the first to admit that I am to fat and old and had one too many heart attacks to get up and down the floor with these kids. I wouldn't do it because I believe that all kids deserve the best out of officiating. Unlike others I will admit that I can't get there to make the right call. "




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Anonymous wrote on Feb 9, 2010 12:11 PM:

" I guess I should watch "Hoosiers" - did they only have 5 guys too?? did they not move their feet on defense? did they complain to the refs about every call that didn't go their way? did they throw fancy one-handed passes out of bounds? Must be a heckuva movie. "




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concerned res wrote on Feb 8, 2010 6:31 PM:

" This kinda reminds me of "Hoosiers", where most of the town was against the coach. Hopefully the coach will stick it out and take the team to the state finals and prove everyone wrong. "




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OLD SCHOOL wrote on Feb 8, 2010 3:47 PM:

" For me the point is simple - I like to watch the kids play good fundamental basketball. period. That, however, means teaching and practicing fundamentals. No complaining to officials, no one-handed passes, no laziness on defense and no selfishness. If you do those things, winning and having fun will take care of itself. "




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a dad wrote on Feb 8, 2010 10:07 AM:

" you guys are pathetic! You remind me of the uncle on Napolean.These young men have more character than most of the people I meet out there, (probably more than you). Have you actually tried to get to know these young men and encourage them? Most of you whine because you have your own personal issues that you are handling with great immaturity. I don't know Why I even waste my time responding to any of you! "




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couldnt do it wrote on Feb 8, 2010 9:43 AM:

" Hey Tom if you are such a great official why don't you get out there, you couldn't do it. If you cry and whine to the officials the whole game your not going to get a call and the montrose boys and their coaches have that reputation. A bunch of crybabies, sounds like they get it from you. "




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martha wrote on Feb 8, 2010 12:08 AM:

" The Coach has got to go. If you want your kids to be winners? The kids cant leave MHS thinking everyone gets a prize for last place. I bet this wont get posted. If the coach is not getting payed what he should he should move up to the next level of coaching There he can prove how great he is. "




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Goober Clooney wrote on Feb 7, 2010 11:23 PM:

" These kids today are soft and whiney, thanks to video games, nacho's with cheese and limp-wristed politicians. Back in 1985 when I was at MHS we had self-discipline and respect for our elders. Frequently we'd help old ladies cross the street, then we would go to bible study and thank jesus for our blessings. These kids need to learn about hard work. "




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OLD SCHOOL wrote on Feb 7, 2010 11:32 AM:

" Montrose played hard - all 6 of them. I'll give them credit when credit is due - the zone defense was a good call because GJ couldn't hit anything all night long. I counted at least 8 airballs - ON THEIR OWN HOME COURT. Poor shooting night for them, but at least Montrose stayed in the zone for the most part. All 6 indians played well. "




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mhs student wrote on Feb 6, 2010 11:24 PM:

" i think our coaching staff is fine, no we dont really have a leader but we also lost 4 seniors because of the coach so! we need parents support in everything so as a mhs athlete stop gossiping and tell us good job! "




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Anonymous wrote on Feb 6, 2010 4:33 PM:

" The league is very weak this year. Montrose should be beating every team by 20 and there not getting the job done. I just don't think the coach is doing the job right yet. "




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Tom Shearer wrote on Feb 6, 2010 2:42 PM:

" I have a feeling that the Indians could win by 30 and un named critics will still abound. When you get done with the chinez water tourture on the staff I hope you like what you get. "




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Concerned Fan wrote on Feb 6, 2010 11:45 AM:

" Looking from the stands it is evident that this team has talent, but it is equally as evident that there is a break down on leadership and respect. You can have all the talent in the world but a true gifted athlete can adjust to any and all circumstances- size, pace and OFFICIATING!! Respect and leadership are taught at home!! This team is coming off of a win and it is EASY to show leadership in a win much harder in a loss. There is ALOT of talent and RESPECT that isn't being utilized!! "




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Anonymous wrote on Feb 6, 2010 9:24 AM:

" "Tom- Grand Junction also lost their three studs who carried that team last year, Everrett Robinson, Jeff Baldwin, and Justin Trujillo. That is a team we should be beating by 20 or 30." "




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Tom Shearer wrote on Feb 6, 2010 8:59 AM:

" Funny thing the Indians beat the GJ by 9, they were in control of the game from the tip. At the end of the game excluding the intentional fouls by GJ the fouls were 11 to 11. That is far from the 4 to 1 against us that we get at home. There was no complaining because the officiating was not a factor.
The coaches put together a game plan and the team executed. By the middle of the 3rd it was plain to see the Indians players and coaches knew what they were doing and GJ's didn't. "




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newmascot wrote on Feb 6, 2010 6:50 AM:

" I have the new mascot for the school. "Montrose Indian-Givers." "




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OLD SCHOOL wrote on Feb 5, 2010 7:40 AM:

" travis - Troy is coaching because of his sons and because he thought he could do better than previous coaches. period.What about the time that the kids have put in? What have they gotten out it? No matter the talent, you have to be taught fundamental skills every practice and employ it. And what's with players questioning every call - that's not right and you know it. And another thing - you won't win playing 5 players. "




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Brian wrote on Feb 5, 2010 7:34 AM:

" This isn't necessarily a coaching problem. But I do think that the coach needs to demand the respect of his players. It sounds like the coach needs to do some disciplining. I have never had a coach who who had any problem with discipline. Most of the boys on this team know how to act correctly. Its time they quit acing like boysand start acting like men. "




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a_montrose_resident wrote on Feb 4, 2010 10:20 PM:

" i thought it was not respectful to refer to the montrose hs as "indians"? "




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Baller wrote on Feb 4, 2010 10:18 PM:

" Let them run! They shouldn't stand around in the half court when they can flat out fly! We might as well be stalling for the other team! "




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getreal wrote on Feb 4, 2010 10:15 PM:

" The officials in this town have long been known for making it "fair" for opposing teams no matter what. If the visitors "fudge " a bit by getting away with holding, moving screens, etc, and then our boys are criticized for whining, then people need to open up their eyes and see what is really happening! Visitors receive a handicap when they walk into McMillan. The AD needs to hold refs accountable. Right now they are untouchable. Refs from out of town are much better, two are better than three, and less expensive to boot. "




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Travis Hastings wrote on Feb 4, 2010 5:23 PM:

" Troy is doing a great job coaching!!! I appreciate all you do for this town. I wish the town could learn to support its coaches not anonymously criticize someone who is getting paid peanuts to donate 30 hours a week to the youth of this town! Keep going Troy you deserve the support of this town-I support YOU!!! Thanks for ll you do "




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a DAD wrote on Feb 4, 2010 4:54 PM:

" A little encouragement people. These young men played hard friday night. When was the last time one of you sideline bleacher coaches actually encouraged a player you may or may not know. These players put themselves on the line every game for you to criticize. Where are the examples in life they are looking to live up to? Are you one of them? With 5 games left, they need to find themselves as a team. So please, if you see them around town, try to do the right thing; encourage the players and coaches. "




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Go Indians wrote on Feb 4, 2010 10:10 AM:

" I just don't understand where this program is headed. The most talented team in the SWL, but no fundamentals and no respect. This team, including the so called leader of the team, has no respect for their coaches or refs. I am tired of going to games and seeing these guys hang their heads, sit on the bench and pout when they are taken out, or like Friday night throw a huge baby fit when the foul wasn't called. This team needs a true leader, and it is very apparent they don't have that right now. "




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MTD wrote on Feb 4, 2010 9:33 AM:

" I don't understand how you can score 41 points with a team as athletic as Montrose. You have a 6'8 post who can run the floor, Robertson who has the ability to get to the rim at will, and a speedy backcourt. You should be scoring 55 points on a bad night. RUN THE FLOOR!!! "




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Anonymous wrote on Feb 4, 2010 7:13 AM:

" C'mon Tom, from what i've heard(read: ultra reliable sources) - it wouldn't have mattered who applied. They chose who they WANTED, not what was best for Montrose Basketball. It's all politics and the kids are paying the price. Talent only takes you so far - playing as a team and sound fundamentals take you the rest of the way. These kids are no better off than in years past. period. "




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Tom Shearer wrote on Feb 3, 2010 4:13 PM:

" Reading the posts I find a tremendous amount of basketball knowledge out there. Just wondering were all of your applications were when the coaching job came open last year. Were you as critical a couple of years ago when the Indians were losing to Grand Junction by 29 and 39 points. It is too easy to be an anonymous critic. I would suggest you get on board, this team is getting better despite there youth. With a little poise learned through fire they are going to kick some teeth out before it is over. "




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OLD SCHOOL wrote on Feb 2, 2010 5:18 PM:

" claimjumper - so, if they'd made all their free throws in the last minute, they'd have won by 4(call or no call). It's that simple. Perhaps the players and coaches shouldn't be complaining to the officials so much - actually i was embarrassed at how much a couple of the players whine to the officials at every call. "




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MHS Fan wrote on Feb 2, 2010 1:44 PM:

" There is great support for the basketball program. Don't make excuses for a lost game. Learn from the loss. They are a good team but they made mistakes. It's easy to make calls from the stands but a different perspective on the floor. I hope the boys on the team learn about sportsmanship and playing good fundamental ball because it not coming from the stands. "




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Victor wrote on Feb 2, 2010 6:55 AM:

" I have to agree w/pickanroll - fundamental basketball wins games(especially when you're less talented, which Montrose is not!). Play defense w/your feet, box out, set good screens(and know how to setup your man to run into screens), and most importantly - TAKE CARE OF THE BALL. You have the talent - JUST COACH THEM IN FUNDAMENTALS!!! "




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claimjumper wrote on Feb 1, 2010 11:11 PM:

" These boys are good and they need support from the town. They also need referees that don't feel they have to show the visitors how "fair" they are by swallowing their whistles during obvious flagrant fouls at the end of the game and during Fruita's many illegal screens. The boys in black (there are three of them for crying out loud!) need to call a better game or they need to stop officiating. They have been consciously against MHS for too long. We need out of town officials. "




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pickanroll wrote on Feb 1, 2010 9:38 PM:

" This boys team has lots of talent, particularly when they run. Why do they go into a half court offensive stall and never move? How about just being fundamental, move off the ball, pick and roll, and run the court? Come on coaches! We want you to be successful! Give the boys something that they will do, is fundamental (like movement!!), and let them run! Their athleticism will take care of you! "




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OLD SCHOOL wrote on Feb 1, 2010 7:59 AM:

" A "good" coach will look at what could have been done during the course of a game and not make excuses. "Not getting the call at the end of a game" is an excuse. What about the 4 missed free throws with less than a minute to go?? I guess you could make an excuse and say the players were tired(since they were on the floor for 98% of the time). "




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