Written by Alexis Barton
The men’s basketball team was staying busy over winter break with lots of competition. After a quick 10-day break, the Maroons returned to campus to embark on a seven game win streak which was just recently snapped by nationally ranked ODAC rival Virginia Wesleyan. Despite their two losses, this team is here to show fans that they have no quit and are ready for more competition.
To start off their late-December endeavors, the Maroons hosted two teams in the Cregger Invitational, Stevenson University and Stockton University. The Maroons went undefeated in the tournament, winning each game by at least five possessions. The team took their success on the road as they faced Eastern Mennonite at the beginning of the new year. In a close game, the Maroons came back in the second half to force an overtime period. The team’s depth and stamina once again led them to a conference win. The Maroons continued their success as they continued conference play at home. The team took on Emory & Henry and stung the Wasps with a huge second half with 51 points. The Maroons took that game in dramatic fashion with an 84-55 win led by freshman guard, Kasey Draper, who had a team-leading 20 points in the game. Next, the Maroons hosted conference rival Shenandoah. In what would be their sixth straight win, the Maroons dominated the court and kept the visiting Hornets at bay by holding a four-possession lead. The team took their hot streak on the road where once again they beat ODAC competitor Ferrum in a game of 80-67. The team has since lost their incredible win streak, but they are no weak opponent. Against Virginia Wesleyan and Washington & Lee, the Maroons have narrowly lost by single digits in each game.
As the Maroons look to gain back their winning streak, the team will continue in lots of in-conference play. Within the next week, the Maroons will take on two ODAC teams at home and one on the road. This Saturday, be sure to catch these Maroons as they take on Randolph-Macon at 4:30 pm in the Cregger Center as part of Maroon Madness. You can also see the women’s team in action at 2:00 pm versus Shenandoah. Go Maroons!
