BOZEMAN — If there was a time when Montana State needed the skills of its star guard, it would be now. With three games left in the Big Sky Conference season, the Bobcats sit at 6-9 in the league after a 4-0 start. MSU has lost three consecutive close games, but in those games, both Hall and the Cats’ offense have started to click.
“We’re just moving the ball more and playing more free,” Hall said. “I think we were trying to get out of the slump individually and that didn’t help us out.”
Although the Bobcats have lost three in a row after defeating Sacramento State, Hall has averaged almost 22 points per game over those four. In the team’s previous six games, he averaged less than 14 points a night. The chemistry of the team has been a big help to the junior’s scoring.
“I’m just trying to flow into the tapestry of the team,” he said. “We had a little slump. (We’re) just getting back to how we were playing in the beginning, and I think that has been a big key for me, personally.”
His teammates are certainly glad to see positive signs in his game with the conference tournament just around the corner.
“At this point in the season, we really need Tyler,” said forward Keljin Blevins. “We need everybody, but it’s very good to have him getting back to himself at this point of the season.”
The team is making improvements, but doesn’t have the wins to show for it. The Bobcats have been outscored by just 18 total points during the team’s current three-game skid. Hall didn’t shy away from his disappointment with the close results.
“It sucks to lose,” he said of the recent close losses. “You feel like you’re turning something around, but you don’t get the results you want — it’s tough.”
Despite the tough losses, Hall said he and his teammates know they are indeed turning away from their slump. If Hall can continue to return to his player of the year form and the team can begin competing harder on the boards, Montana State will be in a good place heading into the Big Sky Tournament.
