UMary Hoops Knocks Off Mankato State

The mood in the before the Mankato State game this past Saturday was not the usual atmosphere of any other game we have had this year.  Everybody seemed more focused then usual and for more then one particular reason specifically.  After we had just beaten Southwest State the night earlier everybody knew this was a big chance to make a statement to every other team in our league and to the entire country.  Coach Herbst was on edge but was just as confident as usual and before the game addressed the team stating the fact that in the history of University of Mary basketball no one team had ever beaten Mankato.  This in a way was an even bigger game for one of our assistant coaches Jevin Budde seeing as he graduated from Mankato State this was a very emotional game for him as well.  I did my pre game preparations like I usually do and as much as I like to treat all teams in the same way effort wise i was more excited for this game then I have been for a game all year.  Even in warm ups you could see it in everybody's eyes that they were ready to go.  As soon as the game started it ended, Anthony Moody shot the ball in a way that i have never seen in my life time of watching college basketball and the whole team seemed to be clicking on all cylinders.  Even on the bench people were excited the whole game no matter what our lead was at the time.  Not only did we end up beating Mankato State who at the time was ranked 10th in the country but we blew them out on our home floor in front of all our dedicated fans and supporters.  I don't think we have personally been closer as a team and a family then we were that game.  Cameron Lee went down with an ankle injury during the game but even he was optimistic after that big of a win.  We hope to get him back as soon as possible and all wish him a speedy recovery.  After the game coach Herbst was almost lost for words as you could see the excitement in him and how proud of us he was for playing so well and playing to our potential.  Everybody is looking forward to our next road game this coming weekend at Northern State as we look to improve our record and accomplish even more.