Lancers men come out victorious against Seneca

By Tiffany McEwen

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (11/02/2012) Loyalist Lancers Patrick Kalala, number 33, jumps to make a shot as Seneca Sting player Tamark Wright moves to block. The Lancers took the game in a close 74-73. Photo by Tiffany McEwen.

The Loyalist Lancers basketball teams went head to head with the Seneca Sting this weekend, ending in a narrow victory for the men and a defeat for the women.

The men scored their last two points in a free-throw in the last 30 seconds of the game, earning them a 74-73 win against the Sting. This victory brought their record to seven wins and 11 losses.

The Lady Lancers lost their game against Seneca 82-36. They now have eight wins and six losses.

Men’s coach Richard Whitfield said he is happy with his team despite their current placing.

“I thought overall we did well. I’m happy with the win, but we did have our breakdowns,” said Whitfield. “At the college and university level you need to have mental toughness. They’re starting to really get the mental aspect of the game.”

Whitfield said that even though his team struggled with the offensive aspects from time to time, they are doing well.

“It takes time to adjust to a new style, a new philosophy,” said Whitfield.

Chris Eligh, the coach for the women’s team, said the women did their best despite injuries.

“It was a rough game physically. A lot of the girls are recovering from injuries. The played the best game they could,” said Eligh. “It was a disappointing loss. The first half of the game was disappointing, but they played well the second half.”

Eligh said that despite the ups and downs associated with a young team, they are playing well.

“They just need to continue to work hard at games and at practices. They just need to dig deep, play through and work hard,” said Eligh.

Both the men’s and women’s teams will be playing at Loyalist College on Friday, Feb. 17, against the Centennial Colts. The Lady Lancers will be first at 6 p.m. and the men will be playing at 8 p.m.