Slow start continues for Eagles in regular season home opener
Neither the men’s nor women’s teams were able to pick up a win in the second game of the season.
The Eagles basketball teams played their first regular season home game against St. George Blue on Sunday, November 10. Coming off season opening losses, the Eagles were looking to regain confidence with a big win.
Men’s Early Struggles Too Much to Overcome
St. George Blue took the fight to the Eagles from the jump. They executed early on the offensive end, hitting open cutters and finding their way to the rim. The Eagles didn’t fold, as Daekwan Michael came in off the bench and gave them a boost, pushing them to stay aggressive and put pressure on Blue. Despite fierce efforts, the Eagles still trailed 18-10 after the first quarter.
A few quick buckets from Blue to start the second quarter helped the Eagles find their rhythm. Moving the ball and playing more to their pace, the Eagles cut the lead down to four points. Just when it looked like the Eagles were on pace to take the lead, Blue hit a big transition three to halt momentum, spurring a series of buckets to take a 38-25 lead into halftime.
The Eagles seemingly had no answer in the second half. Blue kept their foot on the gas, extending the lead to 20 points. Despite late efforts from guard Kent Lingat, who led the Eagles with 20 points, Blue took home the win 74-65.
Eagles senior Andreas Jankovic commented after the game, “We just didn’t hit the shots we normally hit, and we weren’t playing team defense.” Jankovic also gave credit to Blue, noting his opponents “passed the ball very well” and “their chemistry from player to player was very high.”
It’s back to work for the Eagles as they look to get into the win column next week. Trying to build any sort of momentum before the winter break, their final three games will be crucial.
Women’s Mental Roadblocks Transfer to the Court
Following a devastating setback last week, the women’s team was determined to bounce back in their game against St. George Blue. The history between St. George Blue and UTM — from common players to past rivalries — carried palpable tension into the arena.
UTM seemingly walked on the court already hanging their heads. A strong opponent proved to be a tough mental battle for the Eagles, and with the daze of a first quarter ending in 24-5, UTM looked defeated from the beginning.
St. George Blue was able to land the ball in the paint with every touch, racking up a 47-18 lead heading into halftime.
Speaking on the Eagles inability to find success on offense, first-year player Maurie Lawl put it plainly, “The team lacked offensive structure and confidence in each other.”
The absence of team chemistry on the floor left each individual to rely on themselves. Despite every player giving it their all in the second half of the game, the Eagles finished the game 32-70. Locking down on defense alleviated some of the pain, yet they were ultimately unsuccessful.
Looking forward to next week, the Eagles are back to the drawing board to conceptualize a new gameplan on and off the court.
Stay tuned for more as our Eagles look to bounce back and find themselves in the win column in their 3rd game of the season.
