The Gustavus Men’s Basketball squad has had its share of tightly contested games this season but unfortunately has come out on the losing end more times than not. Most recently, the team has fallen by scores of 68-63 to Hamline and 59-57 to the MIAC leader, St. Thomas. In their up-and-down season, the Gusties currently hold a 5-15 overall record, with a record of 5-10 in conference play.

“Though it often looks as though it’s a game winning shot ot play at the end that causes us to lose or win, it’s the little things throughout that have an effect.” — Kelsey Thomas

“[When] measured with wins and losses, this season has not been as successful as we would’ve liked. We have certainly been competitive, but [we] haven’t come out on the right end of the scoreboard,” Head Coach Mark Hanson said.

The Gusties have learned that every play and possession holds great importance in games, especially when they come down to the final seconds.

“Games can turn on a possession or two. We need to make more of those possessions go our way with a defensive stop or an important offensive possession,” Coach Hanson said. In such meaningful possessions, the team wants to focus on doing the little things better. By doing the little things better, close losses could turn into wins.

“We have had a fair amount of close losses against good teams. In order for us to turn those defeats into victories it will come down to doing the little [things] better. Though it often looks as though it’s a game winning shot or play at the end that causes us to lose or win, it’s the little things throughout the game that have an effect,” Junior Kelsey Thomas said. “Ultimately, sticking together as a team and battling will turn the narrow defeats into victories,” Thomas said.

Outside of the handful of heartbreakers mentioned above, the Gusties have also had multiple positive experiences this season including a trip to Las Vegas in late December to participate in the D3hoops.com Classic. While in Vegas, the Gusties faced stiff competition squaring off against two nationally ranked teams. Despite finishing 0-2 at the tournament, the team had a great time both on and off the court.

“Measured with wins and losses, this season has not been as successful as we would’ve liked. We have certainly been competitive. but haven’t come out on the right end of the scoreboard.” — Coach Mark Hanson

“The trip to Las Vegas was a remarkable experience. It is always a great time to go to a D3hoops tournament and to watch all the other teams playing and seeing other talent or people you normally do not get to play against from across the country. The tournament alone was captivating, but being fortunate enough to have the chance to be in Vegas made the experience even greater. While we were in Vegas, we had the chance to play against two different nationally ranked teams and we didn’t get the outcome that we hoped as a far as a win. They were motivating games because we played really well against both teams and showed that we had the talent and ability to compete with anyone across the country,” Thomas said.

When the team wasn’t playing basketball, they were bonding as a unit on their trip.

“Las Vegas was a very rewarding trip and we were extremely fortunate to be a part of it. Gustavus alumni and donors do a tremendous job of supporting us and the trip wouldn’t have been possible without them. Besides playing ball, we bonded as a team by visiting ‘the strip’, going to the Hoover Dam, and golfing at Top Golf. We were very fortunate to be a part of a memorable experience,” Senior Captain Coleman Sweeney said.

Sweeney has been battling injuries all season, however, Coach Hanson has still been very pleased with his ability to lead this season along with Senior Captain Alec Koster.

At time of print the Gusties were set to host St. Olaf for Military Appreciation night.

Following the game there are only two games left on their schedule including the senior day game against Carleton at 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 18 at home. This game will close out the regular season and be the last time this year’s senior class will play on Gus Young Court.