The varsity basketball Owls took the court twice last week as they battled two region rivals, both on the road.
Last Friday night, MUS renewed its old rivalry with Briarcrest in a highly energized game. With both students sections exchanging jabs at one another, the Owls started well as they raced out to a 17-3 lead late in the first quarter.
However, MUS went scoreless for almost six minutes into the second quarter, during which BCS went on a 14-0 run to tie the game. At the break, BCS was ahead, 25-22.
But MUS came out strong in the third quarter and led by as much as 7 as they went on another big run.
Yet the Saints answered with a 13-0 run of their own to regain the advantage in the fourth quarter. Leading by as much as 10 points, BCS looked to put the game away, yet MUS chipped away.
Down by 2 with 1.2 seconds remaining, the Owls had Elliott Cole, who led the team with 18 points and 8 rebounds, intentionally miss a free throw to try to get the offensive stick-back. However, they could never get possession, and Briarcrest took the 55-53 victory.
In addition to Cole, Ferrakohn Hall added 16 points and 7 rebounds, while John Stokes contributed with 9 points and 9 rebounds.
This Tuesday, MUS looked to rebound against St. Benedict at Auburndale.
Though they shot poorly for most of the game, the Owls still lead throughout much of the contest. Though they were not fluent offensively, they connected on 18-22 (81.8%) of their free throws to prevent an Eagle comeback. Additionally, MUS played determined defense to force 16 St. Benedict turnovers.
Louis Amagliani scored 12 and recovered 5 rebounds, and Cole hit a solid 20 points along with 6 rebounds in route to the 51-37 victory.
MUS (15-6, 2-3) now looks to the second half of their region schedule as they face Harding on Homecoming this Friday night. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.