Tuesday, Nov. 18 the men’s basketball team opened the season against the UW-Oshkosh Titans at the Kolf Sports Center in Oshkosh. Lawrence fell to the Titans 81 to 84. The teams played evenly, but differences in rebounds ended up being a huge factor in the game. The Vikings were only able to secure 25 rebounds, 12 of which came from junior Jon Dekker, compared to the Titans 44 rebounds.
Also causing problems for the Vikings was UWO’s Dan Sekar-Anderson, who put up 29 points and had 12 rebounds. UWO’s D.J. Marsh also had a double-double.
LU had the lead at half time, 34-30, and it remained close until the Titans pulled off a 12-3 scoring run, giving them a nine-point lead with only five minutes remaining, a deficit that LU was unable to make up.
Senior Ryan Kroeger led the Vikings with 20 points, 11 of which came from free throws, where he was 11-12. Fellow seniors Doug Kadison and Dustin Lee also shot well with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
The basketball team moves on to face Coe College on Nov. 21 at 7:00 p.m. for their home opener at Alexander Gymnasium. Hope to see you all there!