The Washington University basketball team fell to the 24th-ranked Augustana College Vikings 75-73 in Rock Island, Ill. Sunday for its first defeat of the young season.
The Bears lost more than just the game, though, when it learned that junior guard Danny O’Boyle would be lost for the remainder of the season after tearing his Achilles tendon in the second half.
O’Boyle scored 13 points in the first half before suffering the injury. He ranks sixth all-time in three-point shooting percentage at Wash. U. with a stunning .458 mark. He has converted 54 of 118 treys in his career.
“Without O’Boyle, we lose our outside presence and some leadership,” said head coach Mark Edwards.
The injury did not prevent a valiant Bears’ comeback in the second half against Augustana. Trailing 66-54 with 8:05 left in the game, the Red and Green responded with a 19-7 run that tied the score at 73. Vikings’ senior Drew Wessels sank two free throws with 11 seconds remaining for the final spread, as the Bears were not able to convert on their final possession.
“Augustana was a real test for us,” said Edwards. “It came down to the wire and we had a shot to win it.”
Sophomore point guard Sean Wallis scored a career-high 20 points for the Bears after shooting 3-5 from three-point range. Junior forward Troy Ruths added 15 points and seven boards while last year’s Div. III Freshman All-American Tyler Nading contributed 13 points and five steals.
The loss dropped Wash. U. to 3-1 for the season. Previously, the Bears defeated Blackburn College 78-43 Nov. 21 at the Field House, led by 17 points and nine rebounds from Ruths.
The team’s first two victories came as a result of winning the 2006 Babson Invitational Tournament Nov. 17-18 in Babson Park, Mass. In their season opener, the Bears defeated Vassar College, 79-74. Ruths and O’Boyle both scored 17 points in the victory, while Nading added 15.
In the Championship game, the Red and Green defeated Colby College 79-71. Ruths earned Most Valuable Player honors for the tournament after contributing 24 points, eight rebounds and five blocks in the win. O’Boyle added 20 points and joined Ruths on the All-Tournament Team.
The Bears continue action when they host the 23rd Annual Lopata Classic beginning this weekend. Washington University will battle Luther College on Friday at 8 p.m., while the earlier game (6 p.m.) features Pomona-Pitzer against Worcester State College. The winners of the two games will face-off in the Championship contest Saturday at 8 p.m.
“We’re a different team this year,” said said. “We have a different look and it will be an exciting season. Everyone should come out and support us.”
A full Preview of the men’s basketball squad will appear in Monday’s edition of Student Life.