Coming off solid wins against University Athletic Association (UAA) rival University of Rochester last weekend, the men’s and women’s basketball teams are gearing up for their final game of the season tomorrow against the University of Chicago.

Last weekend, the men’s team (15-9, 7-6 UAA) upset 20th-ranked University of Rochester 62-59; the win was the 50th straight for the Bears when holding opponents under 60 points.

After winning their fourth straight game against Rochester last weekend 78-56, the Lady Bears moved up in the Division III rankings to no. nine in the nation. The team’s 20-4, 10-3 UAA record is testament to their successes this year.

Despite those successes, however, this final game of the season is crucial to the outcome of the Bears’ season. For starters, this game proves to be a chance at redemption after falling to Chicago 70-67 on Jan. 8 in overtime, handing them one of their four losses on the season. More importantly, though, the game stands to be a shot for the squad to earn a share (or sole possession) of the UAA lead, garnering an eighth consecutive UAA title. Finally, the Bears can earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament given a win against Chicago and loss by Brandeis University (10-3 UAA) against New York University (9-4 UAA) this weekend.

The upcoming games this weekend are important to the men’s squad as well. Right now, the Bears are tied with Brandeis University (10-14, 6-7 UAA) for the third spot in the UAA rankings. A win against Chicago on Saturday means third place in the UAA, regardless of whether Brandeis defeats New York University because of the Bears sweeping Brandeis in the season series.

These will be the last collegiate games for the seniors of both the men’s and women’s teams. Seniors Michael Faherty, Anthony Hollins and Rob Keller have been invaluable resources and players for the Bears basketball program during their years; the trio has compiled an 83-19 (.814) record for the Bears over the past four seasons. Over that time, the Bears won the UAA title in 2002 and 2003 and appeared in two NCAA Tournaments. For the women, seniors Hallie Hutchens, Leslie Berger and Kelly Manning, in particular, have been incredible assets for the Bears during their careers.

Game time this Saturday is slated for 1 p.m. for the ladies and 3 p.m. for the men at the Washington University Field House.

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