The Lawrence men’s basketball team extended its winning streak to four games with big Midwest Conference wins this past weekend to improve to an overall record of 14-6. The Vikings defeated Illinois College 86-76 and routed Knox College 93-67. With the wins, the Vikings are now in a three-way tie for second place in the conference.
Leading the way for the Vikings this weekend was Jayce Apelgren, who scored 39 points in the two games, shooting 66 percent from behind the arch. Against Illinois College, Apelgren scored a game-high and career-high 24 points. He simply commented, “My shots just fell that night.”
Also having a great weekend was fellow senior Chris Page, who finished the weekend with back-to-back double-doubles. Against Illinois College, Page scored 14 points and snatched 15 rebounds. Page followed this with 15 points and 12 rebounds against Knox College.
Page commented on his key for his success this weekend, saying, “It’s just focusing on rebounds on both ends of the floor and screening [for teammates]. This puts me in position to get easy baskets.” He also explained that these easy baskets come when the guards on the team are shooting well and making great passes when he is open for quick baskets.
The Vikings have been on a roll, and both Apelgren and Page had great games this weekend; however, both said they really did not change much in their preparation, as neither is superstitious. Apelgren did say he knew “someone on the team has not shaved since our win streak started. If you’re wondering who, just scan the team for a nice beard.”
As a team, the Vikings’ success will continue if they “stay focused on defense and have all 17 players continue to play as one,” said Page. “It not only shuts down the other team, but when we get steals and rebound, it allows us to play our up-tempo style,” Apelgren added.
The Vikings are back in action at Lawrence’s Alexander Gym on Feb. 14 at 4 p.m. when they take on the first-place Green Knights of St. Norbert. All are welcome to support the tram and find out who the man with the big beard is!
Men’s basketball continues to roll
