California Lutheran Universityโs men’s basketball team extended their winning streak to 13 games with an 80-69 win over the University of La Verne Leopards on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
According to CLUSports.com, the last time the Kingsmen played the Leopards was on Jan. 10 at La Verne, the Kingsmen won 72-69. The Kingsmen kept a gap in points throughout the game.
โWell, before going in, we had a close game with them last time so we knew it was probably gonna be a scrappy game and we just need to come in and take care of business as usual,โ senior wing Riley OโConnor said. โWe were all locked in or trying to get as locked in as we could and just looking for the task at hand.โ
OโConnor led the Kingsmen with 17 points, senior center Tommy Griffitts totaled 14 points, senior guard Stephen Davis put up 12 points and sophomore guard Zeโev Remer scored 10 points for the Kingsmen.
โThis game, I think, was just about us just staying locked in,โ Griffitts said. โJust always the same mentality going into games like this. Just coming out with a W and just do what has to be done. Do what weโve game-planned for and everything will take care of itself.โ
Griffitts, OโConnor and junior guard Nick Attanasio said the game plan they stuck to paid off.ย
โHonestly my teammates just got me the ball in the right position. I didn’t have to do much besides put the ball in the rim. So, I do gotta shout out all my teammates for that,โ OโConnor said.
Attanasio said that when the team watches film, Associate Head Coach Kyle Milligan helps players understand what the other team does, and gives comprehensive explanations which helps in translating it to the game.
Despite the Kingsmenโs victory, Head Menโs Basketball Coach Russell White said this game was not the Kingsmenโs best effort this season but will learn from it to prepare for their next game against the University of Redlands Bulldogs.
โEvery game offers different challenges. The team we play Saturday is much different than this team,โ White said.
OโConnor and Attanasio said that Redlands is an aggressive team that stays consistent every game by pressing on its opponents and getting up close to attack one-on-one.
โI know theyโre not happy about what happened last time so we know we’re gonna get their best shot. 100% on the court,โ Attanasio said.
Griffitts, OโConnor and Attanasio said the Kingsmen have goals this season motivating them with each game.
โWeโre all hungry. I feel like that’s the reason the season has gone the way it has,โ Attanasio said. โWe’ve got good leaders on our team. People that know their roles and try to star in their roles. I think that all helps to being a good team. We have those places covered.โ
This win adds to the Kingsmenโs current conference record of 10-1 and their overall season record of 17-3.ย
โJust know that weโre trying to get better every day. Weโre not content with where we are right now. Weโre trying to get better. We know we can be better,โ OโConnor said. โOur goal is to make an NCAA appearance this year again. So we know we gotta continue to get a lot better if we want to be back in that situation.โ
The following weekend on Feb. 3, the Kingsmen extended their winning streak to 14 in a 75-71 victory against the Redlands Bulldogs, the game capped off with two successful free throws by Remer. The Kingsmen remain at home for their next game against the Occidental College Tigers on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.
