Dirden Nails Shots, Gets Nailed In Head
Idaho basketball guard Shawn Dirden’s shooting was unconscious at times on Thursday night.
At other times, Dirden was the one unconscious. Early in the second half he encountered an unintentional elbow from 6-foot-10, 260-pound Montana State center Dwayne Michaels.
Dirden tumbled to the floor for about a minute before regaining his senses. He went on to score 17 points in the Vandals’ seasonending 77-66 loss to MSU in the Big Sky Conference Tournament’s first round at the Dee Events Center.
“I’m hurting right now,” said Dirden, ice pack pressed against his aching melon.
Dirden admitted to feeling woozy at times during the second half. Still, he made 2 of 4 3-pointers in the second half and finished hitting 5 of 9 3s.
Craving a winning season
Idaho coach Joe Cravens suffered through his sixth losing season in 19 years as a head or assistant coach.
The Vandals finished 12-15.
“With a few exceptions, we showed up and played hard every game,” Cravens said. “You’re going to have tough years, you’re going to have tough times. Every day’s not going to be a great day. You’re going to have to fight through adversity.”
Mum’s the word
MSU coach Mick Durham ran some interference following his team’s win over Idaho.
His players were questioned about tonight’s meeting with rival Montana. MSU lost twice to the Grizzlies this season.
Guard Mike Elliott eagerly raised his hand - ala a youngster in school wishing to answer the teacher’s question. But before he could supply the Grizzlies with lockerroom material, Durham stepped in.
“We’re going to enjoy this for about an hour,” Durham said as Elliott retreated to his seat, “then we’re going to get ready for Montana.”
Notes
Montana coach Blaine Taylor watched Thursday’s games while slurping down a jug of orange juice. Taylor has been bothered for about four days with bronchitis and secondary asthma.
Doctors had feared Taylor’s condition might develop into pneumonia, but medication seems to have gotten him over the worst of it …
Both of tonight’s games will be televised by Prime Sports Northwest. Montana and Montana State play at 5 p.m. PST and Weber StateIdaho State at about 7 …
In Idaho’s three games against MSU, the Vandals shot a combined 18 of 42 at the foul line.For the first time, MSU and Montana each posted 20 in the same season.