The Elm Student Newspaper
Men's basketball fighting for late playoff berth
Stephanie Fowler
Tough play and a positive attitude has kept
the basketball team in the running for a
playoff berth.
Ryan Murray, Elm photographer
The Washington College Men's Basketball team faced serious Centennial Conference opponents this past week - Ursinus and Muhlenberg. With a win over the Bears of Ursinus College and a loss to the Mules of Muhlenberg, the Shoremen need to play their upcoming games stronger than ever in order to maintain their playoff hopes.
The last time WC faced Ursinus, they suffered an 86-71 conference loss.
This time, the Washington defense was prepared for the Bears' offense. The Shoremen offense maintained their steady shots. WC was 5-for-5 from the free throw line. At the half, Washington led by seven points, 39-32.Senior Greg Adams led the squad with 19 points and four assists. Adams was also named to the Centennial Conference Weekly Honor Roll. Senior co-captain Earl Piner added 17 along with five boards and three steals. Senior co-captain Antoine Bellin led the team with eight rebounds.
The Shoremen shot better than 70% in the second half, sealing the victory at 70-61.
Three days later, Washington faced Muhlenberg College, a team they previously defeated this season, 77-62. The Mules must have prepared for the WC attack; they led the Shoremen at the half, 38-30.
The Shoremen recovered in the second half, cutting the lead shot after shot. With a little more than six minutes remaining in regulation, the Shoremen tied up the game and then pulled away from the Mules. The Shoremen's effort could not be sustained as Muhlenberg came back to take the win away, 89-83.
In the past 11 seasons, Washington College has been unable to defeat Muhlenberg in their home arena.Leading the Washington squad was a pack of seniors: Adams, Piner, and Alhamisi Simms. Adams scored a team high 27 point, Simms added 21 and Piner tossed in 18.
The men's squad now stands 11-11 overall and 4-7 in the Centennial Conference.
They have one last conference match against Western Maryland. Currently in the conference, Western Maryland College has a 3-8 record. The Shoremen, with all the right moves and sharp shooting, still have a chance of making it into the playoffs.Tomorrow's match-up at Western Maryland will be a rather important game for the Shoremen. Though it is not guaranteed, a victory may extend this season ... and we all know what can happen once a team with talent makes it into the playoffs.
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