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Date Posted: 07:36:52 02/28/02 Thu
Author: Jon Ralston
Subject: Mike Hahn Article

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Originally Published Thursday, February 28, 2002
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Hahn is providing needed lift for Tigers

By Bob Highfill

Record Staff Writer

Mike Hahn still was walking with his right shoulder hanging lower than normal on Wednesday.

Hahn sprained it after colliding with a UC Riverside player late in the first half of Saturday's game, then went on to score a career-high 24 points in the University of the Pacific's 87-75 victory.

''It's doing all right,'' Hahn said. ''I've been receiving treatment, and (head athletic trainer) Chris Pond is helping me get better. I'm ready to go.''

Those who know Hahn would expect nothing less. The 6-foot-7 senior isn't the biggest power forward around, but he doesn't shy away from banging with bigger players inside.

The Tigers (17-9, 9-7 Big West) will need a solid contribution from Hahn on both ends of the court against conference-leading Utah State (21-4, 13-3) when the teams meet at 7 p.m. today at Spanos Center.

The Aggies would clinch the No. 1 seed in the Big West Tournament with a win today, or if UC Irvine loses at Long Beach State. Pacific needs to win to remain in the hunt for a No. 3 seed.

Hahn is playing some of his best basketball as he nears the end of his collegiate career. The native of Lincoln, Neb. sank 10-of-11 from the floor against the Highlanders, and has made 31 of his last 41 over the last six games. His field-goal percentage (.678) is third-best in the nation, and he's on pace to smash Michael Olowokandi's single-season school record of .608, which was set in 1997-98.

''I wish we could get the ball to him more,'' Pacific coach Bob Thomason said. ''In the last few games, we got the ball to him and he's done a good job. Hopefully, we can continue to do that.''

When Hahn has the ball, he's usually close to the basket. He uses his body to establish position inside, and when the Tigers' guards penetrate and draw the defense away from him, he's usually open for an easy basket.

Pacific's first basket on Saturday came when point guard Demetrius Jackson drove into the lane, and wrapped a pass to Hahn when his defender left him. Later, he scored in transition on a feed from guard Maurice McLemore, and in the second half, he posted up 6-5 John Galbreath and used his moves for high-percentage shots.

''(Hahn) helped us tremendously,'' said McLemore, who had a season-high 22 points in the same game. ''We kept going to him and he kept scoring. Whoever's feeling it, we have to give it to him.''

Hahn will make his 85th consecutive start today and play opposite junior forward Desmond Penigar, a leading candidate for conference player of the year, along with Jerry Green from UC Irvine.

''I have a lot of respect for (Penigar) and we respect their team,'' said Hahn, who hasn't beaten Utah State since his freshman year on Jan. 9, 1999. ''It's going to take a lot of intensity and I have to prepare to get out on him quickly.''

Hahn is fueled by an intense religious conviction and hasn't alienated his teammates or caused problems for his coaches by being overbearing. In fact, he has been a popular and influential teammate.

''I think he's had a major impact on our program through him being spiritual,'' Thomason said. ''He's been a great inspiration because of the way he interacts and communicates with other students, and because what he believes is the right thing.''

Hahn said he respects other people's views.

''I look at Jesus and he was a people person, and he loved being with people,'' said Hahn, who attends First Baptist Church. ''I love being around my coaches and teammates and my friends. I think it's helped me bond with people.''

And Hahn has formed an unbreakable bond at Pacific.

''I can't say he's a kid anymore. He's been a wonderful man to coach,'' Thomason said. ''It's been so fun to have him in the program. He represents what athletics is all about.''

* To reach reporter Bob Highfill, phone 546-8299 or e-mail bhighfil@recordnet.com

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