As our Cougars get into the back end of the regular season, it’s important that we highlight the importance of the upcoming games our men’s basketball team has to conquer.
Currently, the Cougars are tied for tenth place in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference standings with Cardinal Stritch University.
To earn a spot in the conference tournament, the Cougars must move up in the rankings and, at worst, become the eighth seed to keep the season alive.
Coming off of a win on January 26th over Holy Cross College, the Cougars feel hopeful that they can salvage a season that got off to an unusually rough start.
With their backs now up against the wall, our Cougars must fight hard to win these games to earn a new chapter and fresh start into the postseason.
The team has not been in such a position in several years, as the standard of basketball here at SXU has become pretty high due to the team’s recent success.
During each of the past six seasons, the Cougars have been able to reach the CCAC conference tournament, which magnifies the crucial need to finish strong in the remaining games the team has ahead of them.
As opposed to previous SXU men’s teams, this young unit has grown a lot during the season.
Handling adversity – whether it’s been injuries, slow starts during games, or balancing school and sport – has made the young team more comfortable on the floor and with their particular roles on the team.
Since underclassmen fill most roster spots on the team, the experience they have gathered during this season will be so helpful during the next two to three seasons.
Coach O’Malley and staff, along with the help of seniors Jacob Strong, Chris Soczek, and Tyler Diehl, have helped groom the young group to understand, prepare for and combat the difficulties that a college basketball season can bring.
The lessons learned from this year will prove themselves vital early next season, as a significantly better start will be expected of the Cougars.
As for the remaining games and more so, a chance to sneak into a tournament berth in the current season, the Cougars must bring ultimate fight and focus to the hardwood at every moment, whether it be a practice or a gameday.
Four of the final six games are against teams currently ahead of our Cougars in the standings, raising the level of the aforementioned urgency the team must have.
Also, four of the final six games are hosted by our Cougars in the Shannon Center, so being in a comfortable space with much energy and support behind them will be an advantage.
This is a call to all of Cougar Nation and the SXU family: Go out and support the team in their endeavors to earn a spot in the conference tournament.
With the student-athletes basically working two jobs (school and basketball), I think the least we can do, as a large SXU body, is to set time aside to attend a game and cheer the Cougars to victory.
The semester has just kicked off, so we can spare more time now to support before things get a little too academically hectic. Also, encouraging words go a long way, so do whatever you can do. Let’s get it done and do our small part to extend our season. Go Cougars!
Dallas Haywood
Sports Reporter