To their credit, Seattle University didn’t struggle nearly as badly against Montana State’s zone defense tonight, which is a good thing.

Unfortunately, they also (unofficially) missed 10 layups in the first half despite actually shooting better than usual at 39.5 percent. Meanwhile, MSU caught fire from the 3-point line and hit five during a five minute 15 to 3 run that started at the midpoint of the half.

That Seattle U kept the game within six is a credit to freshman guard Sterling Carter who didn’t shy away from a 3-point duel, hitting 4-for-7 beyond the arc in the first half to finish with a team-high 12 points.

But what has made Montana State so difficult to guard is that they didn’t necessarily have just one player hitting threes – five different players hit one in the first half with guard Erik Rush going 3-for-3 from beyond the arc in the fist half and finishing with a game-high 13 points. Shawn Reid came off the bench for 11 points and three rebounds.