BENCH BOOSTS BADGERS BY BRUINS
by Rick Pike

Every Badger Scores in Snow Win

EPHRAIM, UTAH-January 28, 2006-After using just six players Friday, Coach Roger Reid played nine Saturday and watched his bench outscore Salt Lake's 17-7 as Snow soundly beat the Bruins 85-69. Chris Hoopes led the bench with eight points. Cory Boyack, Cameron Clark and John Clifford all contributed important minutes in the first half as Snow was taking a 35-20 halftime lead.

"The bench helped us - we had to have them tonight," said Reid. "We didn't lose anything while they were on the floor and it gave the starters needed rest. Hoopes was strong the entire game, Clark hit a big three, Boyack had two lay-ups as the shot clock wound down and even though Clifford had just a few minutes (5), he grabbed a rebound and scored."

The Badger bench also helped defensively. Snow's defense was much better Saturday - especially in the first half holding Salt Lake to 28% shooting. The Bruins went on to shoot 43% from the field while Snow shot 54%.

"Our defense was better tonight - we played with more intensity. I thought we were closer to shooters. They didn't have as many open looks tonight," explained Reid.

Salt Lake still had a run in them. The Bruins caught fire to open the second half and went on a 22-10 run over the first eight minutes. Badger players and fans feared losing a large half-time lead yet again. Then came three key plays. With Snow leading 45-42, Boyack drove for a lay-up as the shot clock expired, the Badger defense forced a miss and Mike Clark hit a three-pointer. Snow led 50-42 and was never threatened again.

Geoff Payne scored 10 of his 20 points in the final six minutes including a dash through three Bruins for a lay up that brought the Badger crowd to their feet with three minutes to play. Payne was fouled, failed to convert the three-point-play but the resulting 11-point advantage was the dagger in the Bruins.

Payne also grabbed 10 rebounds and handed out six assists. Dante Green scored 18 points - including two spectacular dunks, and grabbed seven rebounds. Mike Clark scored 17 on 7-10 shooting.

In a Nutshell…

Turning Point – Snow goes on a 16-2 run in first half Snow’s biggest lead – 35-17 in first half Hustle Play – Payne breaks Bruin press and scores with three Bruins hanging on Jaw-Dropper – Either of two Dante Green dunks in traffic Player of the Game – Badger Bench - C. Hoopes, C Boyack, C Clark and J Clifford Statistic of the Game – Badger bench outscores Bruin bench 17-7

Jake Peterson nearly joined Snow's usual suspects in double figures. He finished with nine points but more importantly led Snow with seven assists to only one turnover. Peterson is second in the SWAC in assists - averaging 5.5 a game.

"I'm proud of Pete (Jake)," said Reid. "He was so sick tonight and he just takes a beating from the bigger, veteran guards in this league; but he doesn't quit and gives a great effort for us every night.

"I'll tell you what I'm most happy about - we're getting better. We're a tough team to beat from now on."

After beginning league play 0-5, Snow is now 4-6 and visits North Idaho Friday and Saturday.