Lights try to seize momentum at home

The first half of the Frontier Conference men's basketball season is over, and it's been a tumultuous one for the Montana State University-Northern Lights, who have lost ground in the league standings of late.

Now, the Lights (2-6, 12-8) will try to make up some ground by defending their home court against powerhouse Lewis-Clark State tonight and upstart Montana Tech Saturday night, with both games set to tip at 8 p.m. inside the Armory Gymnasium.

Given the Lights have four straight and six of their last eight on the road following this weekend's homestand, the time to turn things around is certainly now, for Northern, who lost to both LCSC and Tech on the road two weeks ago, then split with Carroll College and Providence last week in Havre.

"We truly believe we are close and showed signs last week," MSU-N head coach Shawn Huse said. "As long as we keep getting the reps and fighting side by side, it is bound to happen consistently."

Consistency on offense has been what Northern has lacked in January. The Lights who average 75 points per game but are shooting under 50 percent from the field and under 35 percent from the 3-point-line. Still, Huse has a talented and veteran team, led by top scorers Mascio McCadney, Kavon Bey and Adam Huse, while David Harris has been giving the Lights a big lift off the bench as of late. Add to that Northern's defense, which, at 65 ppg, is still one of the best in the Frontier, the Lights know they can turn it around in a hurry.

"We are confident in our defense right now," Huse said. "However, we know we have not fully clicked on O yet this year."

To get things going in the right direction again, the Lights will need to clock on offense, but also play high-level defense tonight against the No. 12 Warriors (7-1, 19-1), who have clearly become one of the best teams, not just in the Frontier, but also in the country. LC State hasn't lost since a Dec. 6 setback at Carroll College, the Warriors average a whopping 92 points per game, and their depth is incredible. Thirteen different LCSC players average more than 10 points per night, while All-American Damek Mitchell leads a balanced offense with his 15 points per game. Fellow standout guard Josiah Westbrook averages another 14 per game, while the Warriors also have plenty of size, led by 6-7 Travis Yenor and 6-8 Trystan Bradley.

And if playing the red-hot Warriors wasn't a big enough task, things won't get any easier when Huse' old school, Montana Tech comes to town Saturday night.

The Orediggers (5-3, 13-6) are having a breakout season, led by stars Taylor England (6-7), who averages 16 points and nine rebounds, Sindou Diallo (6-2), who is second in the Frontier at 21 ppg, and returning point guard Troy Owens Jr. (6-2), who pours in 12 points per night to give the Diggers a dangerous trio.

"Both teams have shown tough defenses and present a lot to deal with on offense," Huse, who's nephew Drew also plays for Tech, said. "It will take a great effort to slow down the inside-out and driving capabilities they present. As with every team in our league, it is not logical to think we can just take one thing away and expect a successful night."

And make no mistake, the Lights are looking for some success on their home floor, especially when they know they won't be back in the Armory until the weekend of Feb. 21-22. That's a long haul, and the Lights want to make sure they get some momentum going before striking out on the road.

"We feel we have a great team that just has not reached our potential yet," Huse said. "It should be a couple of exciting games versus more tough conference opposition, this weekend."

The Lights host LC State tonight at 8 in the Armory, followed by Saturday's home game against Montana Tech, which also tips at 8 p.m.

Lights (2-6, 12-8) vs #12 LC State Warriors (7-1, 19-1)tonight at 8 p.m.; vs Montana Tech Orediggers (5-3, 13-6) Saturday at 8 p.m.

In Armory Gymnasium

Radio: 92.5 KPQX

Streaming: golightsgo.com

Twitter: HavreDaily

Lights Projected Starters

G Gio Jackson, 5-10, Sr., 5 ppg

G Adam Huse, 6-1, Sr., 13 ppg

G Mascio McCadney, 6-3, Jr., 15 ppg

F Kavon Bey, 6-6, Sr. 15 ppg, 6 rpg

F Cedric Crutchfield, 6-8, Sr., 5 rpg, 2 bpg