After having suffered two consecutive losses, the MUS varsity basketball team came back to post two wins last weekend against MBA and Father Ryan as the Nashville teams traveled west following the MUS visit last year. With the recent addition of the players that played on the football team, these games were crucial to establishing teamwork and cohesiveness.
First, the Owls defeated MBA on Friday, December 3, 38-35. Holding a 4-point halftime lead at 16-12, the Owls found themselves facing a 5-point deficit early in the third quarter following a 11-2 Big-Red run. However, in the fourth quarter, an Elliott Cole three-pointer and two consecutive baskets by Peter Zanca allowed MUS to regain an advantage that they never surrendered in securing the win. Cole was the Owls' high scorer with 7 points, while Zanca added 6 rebounds for MUS, which shot only 33% from the field.
Next, the Owls defeated Father Ryan on Saturday, 41-38. MUS was down at the half, but a 13-0 run gave MUS a 31-22 lead midway through the third quarter. Ryan did pull within 2 points before the end of the quarter, but clutch free-throw shooting (4 of 5 in the fourth quarter) allowed the Owls to stay ahead and take the victory. Jay Martin was the Owls' high score with 10 points, while Cole was close behind with 7 points and 4 assists.
MUS (3-2) next plays Houston on Friday, December 10, and Kingsbury on Saturday, December 11. Tipoff for both games is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Ross M. Lynn Arena.