Road games are used as a thermometer often times in college basketball for many reason both positive, and negative. On one side a TEAM with the ability to go on the road and come home with big wins is commonly considered to be "tough" as they stay hot. Taking perspective from a different angle would be a good TEAM who has difficulty finding a way to win on the opposing team's home floor is considered to be "in trouble" because they seem to go cold. At this point in the season WE would be classified through the latter's view dropping two conference games on the road. Although both sides of the argument contain much truth in theory WE must always remember to keep perspective. Williston State and NDSCS are the two longest travels in conference play and quite possibly the two top teams of the conference. I feel very good about the fact both games are in the rear-view mirror as WE look forward to playing in "The Woodshed" on Monday evening against Lake Region State College.
On Thursday evening WE traveled to North Dakota State College of Science (19-2) to compete. WE began the game with cold shooting, poor transition defense, and allowed NDSCS to be much more physical rebounding the ball. Early NDSCS stretched to an 18-point lead but the cold shooting and poor transition defense would come to an end. Midway through the second half our Lumberjacks made a push and closed the gap to a 2-point lead with 6 minutes to play. From that point on NDSCS would stay just out of our grasp as we failed to take the lead, eventually falling to a 9-point loss. Very similar to Williston State WE are 3-4 plays away from coming up with a victory instead of a loss. A loose ball here, made layup there, an extra rebound here and the outcome is likely to be different.
Highlights:
Julian Vasquez - 23 points, 6 rebounds
Jalyn Turner - 14 points
Patrick Robinson - 12 points, 4 rebounds
Moving On:
One statistic which might be appealing the supporters of the Lumberjack Program is the fact all 4 losses are to NJCAA D1 opponents who have a combined record of 74-11. It appears to me WE are taking care of business when expected and giving our best shot to teams who are well above average.
As earlier mentioned, the Lumberjacks will be taking on the Lake Region Royals on Monday evening at 8pm following the Ladyjacks game.
WE look forward to a packed house and the loudest gym in the Mon-Dak!
Get Jacked UP,
Cory Fehringer
