It was a typical week for basketball here at SXU with four games two being contested by the Men’s team and two by the Women’s team.
Women
With two games this week, the Cougars look to continue their hot streak.
Wed, Feb 17
The 27-1 SXU Women started off their week at home vs a 19-7 Saint Ambrose University in a game that should be a challenge for both of the teams.
First Half
At the end of one, both teams are involved in a competitive first half as SXU finds themselves up only 3; 28-25. What gave SXU the competitive edge here was the slightly better shooting percentage they had over SAU.
The Cougars shot 12-26 (46.6%) from the field and 3-11(27.3%) from the 3-point line. Their opponents, SAU, shot a woeful 10-36 (27.8%) from the field and 0-6 (0%) from the 3-point line. Seeing as though they shot so poorly, what kept SAU in this game was being able to force the Cougars to turn over the ball a staggering 15 times.
These turnovers created more scoring for the team, and kept them in the game. The halftime hero for SXU was guard Kara Krolicki who had 11 points, 2 rebounds, and a turnover. If SXU wants to win this tight game, then they have to hold onto the ball. Turnovers are hurting this team and will only make it worse for them in the long run.
Second Half
At the end of it all, SXU was able to pull this one out by the skin of their teeth; 58-55. Sleep easy tonight SXU as the women were able to win this one mainly by making their free throws at the end of the game.
The women were able to knock down 4 clutch free throws to give them a comfortable lead late, and when SAU looked like they had an open shot to tie the game, SXU closed out and played tough defense to avoid potential overtime.
The MVP for the game was guard Kara Krolicki as she had 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assist.
Sat, Feb 21
It was the second game for the 28-1 SXU women, and they were away at the 23-6 Cardinal Stretch University house. This would be a very competitive game as both teams are experiencing existential amount of success this season.
First Half
At the end of this tightly contested half SXU finds themselves down; 32-30. What gave CSU the slight edge here was rebounding. CSU outrebounded SXU; 26-18. Nine of these 26 total rebounds were offensive which is essential for obtaining multiple scoring opportunities.
Turnovers again hurt SXU as they had 10 which really hurt them in this half, and will continue to hurt them in the long run. The Halftime hero for SXU was Mikayla Leydan who had 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals.
If SXU wants to walk away with a win plain and simple they need to get rebounds, and hold onto the ball to avoid turning over scoring opportunities.
Second Half/OT
In the end, SXU lost to Cardinal Stretch; 83-72. Although the girls were able to bring the game to an overtime, they eventually fell apart as a they gave up a 9-2 run early. The biggest factor in Cardinal Stretch’s win over SXU was rebounding. CSU had 54 total rebounds; 20more than SXU.
19 of these 54 total rebounds were offensive which are substantial in generating second chance points. The MVP for SXU was forward Caitlin McMahon who scored 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks. When stomaching this loss SXU just remember that even the Golden State Warriors lost twice.
Men
Moving onto the men, they also had 2 games this week. Seeing as how the women’s team lost, would the men also lose some momentum this week too?
Wed, Feb 13
In their first game of the week, 18-10 SXU find themselves matched up against 10-18 Saint Ambrose University.
First Half
At the end of this close half, SXU find themselves up; 34-30. The 3 ball was able to fall this half as SXU shot 6-17 (35.3%) from the 3-point line. This shooting really helped them out in this half especially since CSU only shot 2-5 (40%) in this half.
The Halftime hero for SXU was guard Kyle Huppe who had 9 points and a rebound to lead his team for the half. To win this game, SXU just needs to continue to hit the 3-ball consistently, and continue to run out and get boards.
Second Half
In the end, SXU was able to get the win; 85-77. 3-pointers was the main factor in this game as SXU was able to hit 4 more threes, and shot 10-28 (35.7%) for the game. The MVP for the game was guard Stanley Moore who had 23 points,5 assists, and 5 rebounds.
Sat, Feb 21
In their second game of the week, 18-10 SXU finds themselves matched up against a 12-18 Cardinal Stretch Universal.
First Half
At the end of 1, SXU found themselves down in a close game; 36-31. Turnovers was what hurt SXU here as they had 7 total for the game, and these turnovers of course hurt SXU and gave Cardinal Stretch more scoring opportunities.
The Halftime hero for SXU was guard Kyle Huppe who had 13 points, and shot 3-3 (100%) from the 3-point line. To come away with the win, SXU needs to avoid turnovers, and shoot the ball more consistently so there won’t be any more wasted possessions.
Second Half
In the end, Cardinal Stretch once again beats an SXU team; 73-66. Turnovers is what haunted SXU as the 15 total in the game. These turnovers really hurt SXU and really helped Cardinal Stretch down the line.
The MVP for SXU was sophomore guard Larry Motuzis who had 18 points, 4 rebounds, and an assists. Both teams had their momentum stripped from them over the course of the weekend, but maybe this is a bit of a good thing.
When Golden State lost last week, they came back in the next game and got a dominant win. Maybe this is what both SXU basketball teams need is a loss to light a fire underneath them for the home stretch of the season.
Let’s continue to show our sports team support, and keep it locked here at The Xavierite for more sports updates.
Kenneth Washington
Deputy Sports Editor