Senior Guard Jerry Abushanab Attempting a Three Point Jump Shot
SXU Athletics
The biggest question that the men’s basketball team needs to answer is what does it take to win? What do the players, coaching staff, and everybody else involved need to do in order for the Cougars to start a winning streak?
With a 1-5 start to the season, a nine game losing streak on the road and barely achieving a .500 season, it’s safe to say the Cougars have struggled to figure out what it takes to win and how to play as a team.
Of course, every new season looks exceedingly different as a class of senior players graduate, other players hit the transfer portal and the new guys from the portal come in. But ultimately, everyone is aware that they have roles that require them to step up and be flexible with various schemes and plays.
Looking from the inside out, what it takes to win is true determination, teamwork and team chemistry. The Cougars need to be able to trust each other and know their full abilities in order to be successful.
The next best thing: learn how to win on the road. Players are not always going to have homecourt advantage. The Cougars have to be able to play through adversity and get the job done.
Playing together and knowing everyone has the same goal and wants to achieve success will further motivate the group to lock in and win games.
Unfortunately, I can only say so much. That is why I took the time to speak with head coach Robert Ford. Very directly, I asked him, “What does it take for this team to win?”
“It takes sacrifice and buy-in from each individual player to help our team win,” Ford stated. When asked about what he expects from his players for the rest of the season, Ford added, “I am looking for our team to continue to improve each and every day and enjoy the time we have remaining together this season.”
It truly sounds like Coach Ford cares for his group; clearly, he wants to make sure that they are giving it their all.
The Cougars currently have a great home record that stands at 7-3. It shows us that this team knows how to play hard. Now it’s all about being consistent.
Fortunately, it looks like they are on the right track, since they are on a two-game winning streak. Defeating Holy Cross College (Ind.) and Viterbo University (Wis.), with the win against Viterbo being their second road win of the season.
The Cougars have finally won 10 games this season and currently hold a record of 10-13. Four more games are left in the season. Three of which are on the road, so they have to be ready to face adversity.
The players who are shining the brightest during this run are senior guard Jerry Abushanab, junior guard James Morgan and senior forward Davion Lawrence. In the two game stretch, Abushanab averaged 18 points per game (PPG) and 4.5 rebounds per game (RPG).
Meanwhile, Morgan averaged 14.5 PPG and three assists per game (APG). Lawrence averaged 11.5 PPG and seven RPG, and recorded a season-high three blocks against Holy Cross.
This is a great sign and shows SXU fans that there is a sign of momentum for this team. Coach Ford especially has high hopes for his squad. He shared, “I am hopeful that we will be able to finish the remainder of the regular season strong and go into the CCAC tournament with some momentum.”
The Cougars look to continue their winning ways as they prepare to face off against Saint Ambrose University (Iowa). Action takes place on the road, heading to Davenport, Iowa on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 PM.
**Correction: formatting adjusted on photo caption and source**