Tensions were high on Sunday, Jan. 14 as Lawrence’s men’s and women’s basketball teams faced off against the Cornell College Rams at Alexander Gymnasium. The games, originally slated for Saturday, had been postponed and subsequently rescheduled for Sunday due to the blizzard that rolled in on Friday. All teams were on a winning streak going into the games, with Cornell’s teams having won their previous three matches and both Vikings teams fresh off a victory against conference rival Grinnell College.
The men played first on Saturday, their game quickly becoming a tense affair that was decided in the last minute of play.
The lead was exchanged for most of the game, though the Vikings rallied to secure an 8-point lead at the end of the half. The Rams quickly responded after the break and ensured that spectators were on the edge of their seats until the final quarter.
The game was decided with a 3-pointer and two successful free throws from Cornell in the last minute of play. The Rams won the Midwest Conference decision with a score of 65-61.
Standout performances included first-year Casey Schoenecker (14 points), first-year Nicholas Gouriotis (8 points), senior Jake Fisher (5 points, 5 assists) and senior Adnan Sarancic, who had a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Following the men’s game, the women’s team took to the court for a match that would end in a nail-biting final quarter.
The Vikings led the first two quarters easily and had a 5-point advantage coming into the third quarter. However, a fourth-quarter comeback from Cornell with a 27-11 run ensured their victory. The Rams took the Midwest Conference decision with a score of 52-43.
Notable performances from the Vikings included junior Mallory Meyer (9 points), junior Lydia Lueck (9 points), first-year Charlotte Brennan (9 points) and junior Maggie Culver (6 rebounds).
Lawrence will take on the Monmouth Fighting Scots this Saturday, Jan. 20 at Alexander Gymnasium. The men’s game will start at 1 p.m., with the women’s game following at 3 p.m..