The varsity basketball team completed the holiday break by losing three of four games as it limps toward the region schedule that starts later this week. This team still seems to be searching for the right chemistry and used the four games as a learning experience in that process.
The day after Christmas the squad left for the annual holiday tournament in Carbondale, Illinois, in which the Owls had never lost a first-round game. However, that streak abruptly ended as DuQuoin beat MUS 59-53 in double overtime. The Owls had several opportunities to win the game in regulation, including some last-minute free throws, but could not take advantage. Then, Derek Clenin hit a last-second three-pointer to send the game in the second extra period. Yet in the second overtime, DuQuoin guard Nick Hill, who was averaging 30 points per game, hit 17-20 free throws to seal the win and send the Owls into the consolation bracket.
MUS had to wait until 10PM the next evening to play their second game against Johnston City. In a game that featured nine lead changes, the Indians took a 23-20 lead into the half. The Owls just never seemed to get any offensive momentum as the Johnston-City zone stiffled MUS. Ryan Baum led the team with 12 points, while Andrew Hanover added 11, and Will Saxton dropped in 8; but the Owls shot only 38% from the floor and shot only 3 free throws compared to the 25 shot by the Indians. The discrepancy in foul shooting provided the 11-point margin as Johnston City won 52-41 to send the Owls home and drop their record to 5-7.
MUS was glad to be back home after the performance in Carbondale as they prepared for last Friday night's game against Lausanne. The Lynx brought an experienced squad to Ross M. Lynn as well as a large crowd, and they took the game to MUS. The Owls had to feel good after Lynx leading-scorer Marc Gasol picked up his second foul in the first 1:40 and sat out the remainder of the half. With the 6' 10'' Gasol on the bench, MUS figured to use their height advantage to wear on Lausanne. However, sophomore Carlos Taylor and senior Mladen Mrkiac, arguably the best point guard in the city, steadied the Lynx and kept their team comfortably in front throughout. Taylor led all scorers with 24 points, while Mrkiac added 12 points and 4 assists. Ryan Baum scored 19 points, but no one else contributed more than 5 as Lausanne beat the Owls 50-36 in the lowest offensive output of the year.
MUS got an opportunity to end their losing streak the next night as Elliston Baptist came to MUS. The outmanned Raiders tried to keep the game close as they trailed only by 13 at the break, but the Owls eventually wore down their opponent to claim the 66-37 much-needed win. Baum again led the Owls as he poured in 26 in only 25 minutes of action, while Will Saxton contributed 14 points. MUS held Elliston to only 29% shooting in route to the win.
The Owls face one final non-conference opponent before the region season starts next Friday night. MUS will battle Brighton tonight before going to CBHS Friday. Both tip-offs are set for 7:30PM for the 6-8 Owls.