2008 Woodie Awards
Basketball to host first first-round game
Jeff Klein
Issue date: 2/14/07 Section: Sports
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Facing tough NESCAC opponents on the road, the Middlebury men's basketball team ended its regular season in convincing fashion, defeating Wesleyan and Connecticut College by scores of 64-58 and 69-59. With the victories, the Panthers finished fourth in the conference and will host the school's first-ever NESCAC tournament quarterfinal game against Colby on Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.
Having lost three of their last four NESCAC games entering the weekend, the team was coming dangerously close to repeating last season's meltdown when it raced out to a 10-3 record before compiling a 1-8 record in NESCAC play and missing the postseason.
Two crucial wins later, all doubts have been put to rest.
"The way we rolled early last year but missed the playoffs - it taught us that you want to finish strong," said Ben Ehrlich '09.
The seniors on the team want to end their college careers on top, and they know that any game from here on out might be their last. But that is not stopping them from savoring the moment and appreciating what they have already accomplished.
"I am very proud of this team and all that we have battled through thus far," said Evan Thompson '07. "It's amazing to see what a difference a year makes. I am thrilled about being able to host the school's first ever NESCAC Tournament quarterfinal game, and it means even more to know that the team is doing this in my final year at Midd."
For some members of the squad, however, this is their first taste of NESCAC postseason play and all of the emotions that come along with it.
"Going into my first ever NESCAC playoff game is very exciting," said point guard Ben Rudin '09. "Having played in other playoff games in my career, I've come to realize the difference between the regular season and the playoffs. Everyone knows that one loss will end their season and that is all the motivation a team needs."
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