Published: December 05, 2007 11:40 pm         

Mountain State climbs back to top of NAIA poll

Mountain State University was in a familiar role — though it’s been awhile — Wednesday, back at the top of the NAIA Division I poll.

The Cougars (8-0) entered the preseason at No. 5.

It’s the Cougars first time at No. 1 since ending the regular-season there in 2006. That year they lost in the second round of the NAIA national tournament.

At one point between 2003-2006 MSU had been No. 1 in 25 of 36 polls and never fell out of the Top 3.

It’s a spot that MSU coach Bob Bolen enjoys.

“I think it helps us become a better team,” Bolen said. “You have a big red X on your chest when you go into other people’s arena. Usually, when you’re No. 1, the atmosphere on the road is more hostile. That can go a long way to helping you become a better team. You take everybody’s best shot.”

MSU received 10 of 11 first-place votes.

The other went to Georgetown (10-0), which is tied for No. 2 with Concordia (Calif). Oklahoma Baptist and LSU-Shreveport round out the Top 5.

MSU has games later this season with No. 9 Lee and No. 22 Union.

Of course, the Cougars long-time coach, who is just three wins shy of his 350th, couldn’t resist a little coachspeak.

“Doesn’t mean much right now,” Bolen said. “The NAIA poll counts, you can get an automatic bid (to the national tournament) but not until late February.”

On other matters, Bolen wasn’t real surprised his team has topped the century mark in its last four games, the latest a 103-79 verdict over WVU Tech in Montgomery Tuesday.

“If we are consistent on the defensive side of the ball and we rebound well, two things we can control, everything else will fall into place,” Bolen said. “That said, we have really shot the ball well in the last two games.”

MSU is shooting over 50-percent from the floor as the team. The last team to accomplish that over the course of a season was the 2004 national championship squad.

Adron Marshall, who had 25 points against Tech Tuesday, including 7-of-9 from three-point range.

“He’s been scoring well and shooting the three well,” Bolen said. “On the defensive end and rebounding and sharing the ball, he’s always played really well for us. This year he is shooting the ball more consistent then he ever did last year.”

Mountain State plays Westminster Saturday in the Baisi Classic in Montgomery.

— E-mail: demorrison@

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