Oiler basketball currently in two different directions

Men’s team hopes to keep the streak going, while women’s team hoping to turn things around

By Collin Frazier

frazierc@findlay.edu

@Collin_53

While the majority of Oiler Nation was at home for the holidays, the basketball teams were hard at work for their 2021-2022 campaigns. For the men’s team, it started with a three-game losing streak to Kentucky Wesleyan (84-74), Cedarville (68-66), and Ohio Dominican (76-66).

“We had a rough three game patch in there and I think a lot of it was our focus in the beginning before games start and then practice in the way we would approach games,” fifth year F Anthony Masterlasco stated.

“I think the way we kind of looked at that, [we] regrouped and worked on how we need to prepare and be focused before games. That way, we didn’t have to deal with any internal issues with the team during the game.”

As for the women’s team, the team went 4-3 in the month of December, which is in part to the team establishing an identity.

“We are slowly starting to figure out what offense and defense fits our personnel best. The younger players are getting more experience at the college level and that’s always helpful,” senior G Amber Schweiger said.

Moving into the beginning of the new year, things have shifted in the opposite direction… for both teams.

The men’s team is currently on a 5-game winning streak. To Masterlasco, focus is the main key.

“We take it day-by-day,” Masterlasco commented. “Every day in practice, we’ve been working on staying focused, staying sharp and getting things done on defense.”

“I think as long as we stay together and keep the same focus and positive mindset that we’ve had, we should be alright in the future.”

Meanwhile, the women’s team has unfortunately dropped the last four in a row.

“We often run into stretches where everything seems to be going wrong,” Schweiger explained.

“Figuring out how to counteract faster, turning the ball over, or getting stops on defense is key. We have to understand that the games we have won this season have come from grinding on defense and making it difficult for other teams to score.”

As both teams prepare for the final stretch, both Schweiger and Masterlasco are nearing the ends of their basketball careers, something neither is truly ready for.

“Whether it be practice or games, I’m gonna take it all in soak it all in and enjoy it,” Masterlasco proclaimed. “I know these are my last few months of basketball ever, which is sad, but at the same time it’s been a great run. I’m gonna do the best I can to make a run here in the tournament these last two months”

“I am looking forward to playing with the seniors who I have been best friends with since I came to Findlay,” said Schweiger. They make my life better and I am lucky to have met them. I think we’re right on the edge of figuring out how good we really can be, so I’m excited for that.”

The men and women both continue their season January 22 as they each take on Trevecca Nazarene. Women’s tip-off is at 1 p.m., while the men’s tip-off is at 3 p.m.

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