The Spur

Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Dan Gilland Andrew Peschong became SMSU's all-time leader in career assists Saturday against Bemidji State.

On a night when Southwest Minnesota State guard Andrew Peschong was recognized for a career of unselfish play, it was his heroic, assertive shot late in the game that might be remembered most.

Peschong became SMSU's all-time leader in career assists Friday during the Mustangs' 71-67 victory over Bemidji State on Hawaiian Night. But with 1:15 left in the game and the score tied at 62, the senior guard drilled the shot that mattered most, a deep three-pointer that would ultimately put the game away.

For Peschong - who averages around six points per game - it was just his fifth three-pointer of the season. It came on a play designed for Kevin Andrews.

"I'd like to say that's exactly what Coach drew up, was me coming off to shoot a 28-footer," Peschong joked after the game. "Not exactly what people had in mind. But it was a good play by Kevin - shot clock winding down, he kicked it out and I didn't really have an option. I put it up. I shot it with confidence, and luckily tonight it fell."

In a contest SMSU (11-8, 6-7 NSIC) desperately needed to win to stay afloat in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, the game was anything but a victory lap for Peschong's achievement. Neither team ever appeared in complete control of the game, and the Beavers led 37-31 at halftime. Starting point guard DeAnthony Zanders was ejected from the game after a flagrant foul in the first half. Peschong had to play nearly the entire second half.

"I thought Andrew Peschong stepped up tonight and over the course of that second half played a lot at the point guard spot," Mustangs head coach Brad Bigler said. "And that's where his versatility comes into play. A guy who's 6-5, 6-6, but can handle the ball like a point guard - you can't have enough type of guys like that, versatile guys like that who can be smart basketball players, and when you need them most, you count on them the most."

The game was played before an R/A Facility that was nearly packed and constantly boisterous. But the grass skirts and fancy Hawaiian dress covering the student section contrasted the Mustangs' style of play. This was a physical and gutsy victory.

Continued...

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