Hard court woes continue

Author: Eri Nosaka

The Middlebury men's basketball team started their NESCAC play with a win against Connecticut College, but unfortunately lost to three NESCAC teams afterwards making their NESCAC record 1-3. All of the losses can be characterized as close but not detrimental to the team spirit or mentality.

On Jan. 14h at Connecticut College, the Panthers won against the Camels with a score of 57-54. Middlebury throughout the game displayed strong defense and offense as they led 28-25 at the half.

The next day after leading at the half, the team lost their momentum and fell to Wesleyan with a close score of 79-74.

However, at Bates the Panthers were never quite able to regain the 46-28 lead that the Bobcats had at the break and lost to Bates with a score of 86-66.

With the recent loss at Bates kept in mind, the Panthers went on to play one of the most interesting and close games of the season. Despite a solid group of student support in the Pepin gym, Middlebury lost to Tufts, 91-82 in overtime. The nerve-wracking game closely resembled a ping-pong match as the Panthers and the Jumbos took turns in leading throughout the two halves. The Panthers ultimately were defeated, and the Jumbos are still undefeated. The close game indicates a hopeful future for the Middlebury men's basketball team.

Over the past four NESCAC games Bobby Marcoux '07 and Adam Sinoway '05 have consistently led and have netted 59 and 50 points, respectively. Wilbur Hyatt '07 and Sam Daly '06 off the bench have provided the team with strong hustle plays and good rebounds. With positive leadership from Captains Simon Behan '05 and Sinoway the teams although facing close but unsuccessful games, despite being disappointed, have been able to look forward to their oncoming NESCAC games.

"Everyone we play is a solid team and our focus for each game is to play tough defense and to execute good defense. Our team has been playing well in spurts and now the challenge is to play 40 minutes of good basketball," said Sinoway when asked about how the team hopes to improve and strengthen their game.

While most of the school is away for the week-long termbreak, the men's basketball team will face the bulk of their NESCAC competitors including Williams College, Trinity College and Amherst College.