Bernell DorroughWhile the rest of the Washington University student body enjoyed an extended vacation, it was back to work for members of the Bears’ men’s and women’s basketball teams in January.
Men’s basketball
The men’s basketball team began the break by defeating across-the-street rival Fontbonne by a score of 73-46 on December 20. After a quick break for the holidays, the Bears returned to take care of opponents MacMurray College (78-56) on Jan. 3 and Blackburn College (85-53) on Jan. 6. The team has benefited from the return of junior Anthony Hollins who rejoined the roster for the MacMurray game and was able to contribute ten points to the victory in his first start of the season.
“I think that made a big difference in the depth of the team,” said Head Coach Mark Edwards about the return of Hollins.
A 70-52 home victory over UAA-foe University of Chicago on Jan. 10 kicked off the Bears’ UAA schedule. Junior Rob Keller led the team with 17 points, and senior Barry Bryant contributed 16 to the victory.
Another UAA opponent, Emory University, proved to be too much for the Bears, who lost 85-92 on Jan. 16. According to Edwards, defensive difficulties were partly to blame for the loss.
“Against Emory we gave up too many shots that were uncontested and too many hustle points, ” said Edwards.
The team followed up the loss to Emory with a victory on Sunday over Case Western Reserve 89-73, bringing their UAA record to 2-1. As the team embarks on a four game road trip over the next two weekends, they prepare to face the rest of the UAA to decide their post-season fate.
“This is the toughest stretch of our schedule,” said Edwards. “At the end of these two weeks we can do a lot to either help or hurt our case.”
Women’s basketball
The women’s basketball team shows no signs of slowing down as their successes over winter break bring them to a 13-1 record and a fifth place ranking in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association poll.
The Bears took on neighbor Fontbonne University on Dec. 18 and finished 2003 with a sound 79-52 defeat of the Griffins. When they returned to the court in January, the team demolished MacMurray College and Blackburn College by 53 points (91-38) and 40 points (90-50) respectively.
After these victories, the women moved on to the UAA to begin the final stretch of conference play. On Jan. 10 they took on the University of Chicago, handing the Maroons as 81-61 loss and on Jan. 16 they defeated Emory 87-47. Case Western Reserve also fell to the Bears this past weekend, 84-58.
“They did a good job staying focused and it showed in the Case Western Game in particular. They are excited to play some games now. It’s been a lot of practicing and now we’re getting in to our conference play,” said Head Coach Nancy Fahey.