Men's Basketball 2009- 2010
November 17, 2009
Grace Bible College Tigers 73 Andrews University Cardinals 55
Captain-less Cardinals Mauled by Tigers
By Dowin Coffy
Playing without one of their most integral players the Andrews University Cardinals could not fend off the Tigers of Grace Bible College. Cardinal captain Stephan Blackwood could not make it out of biology lab in time to dress and play. Nevertheless the Cardinals came out determined to overcome, and played the whole game without him. The Cardinals put up 44 shots and connected on 20 of them for the night, for those of you who like statistics that is 45% from the field. Once again Ryan Little led the scoring pathway with 15 points off of 6 of 11 shooting. Little also helped the cause by grabbing 3 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists.
The Cardinals played a tough and very competitive first half scoring 33 points while giving up 38 points. The Tigers put up a lot of shots 56 for the night and connecting on 29 of them(51%), most teams do not lose when shooting over 50 percent from the field.
The second half saw the Tigers come out with a decisive run 3 minutes into the half from which they never looked back. The Tigers seized the momentum and rode it to a 20 point lead midway through the second half.
The big surprise performance of the night was by freshman Christian Tchamba who managed to score 11 points shooting 3 of 8 from the field. Only one of his shots was not a three point attempt but he led the team in rebounds with 5.
Rounding out the double digit scorers for the night is Robert Lee who as normally shot a high percentage from the field (4 of 8) from 10 points to go along with 3 rebounds and 1 assist.
The Cardinals now drop to 2 and 3 for the year and play one the road against Taylor University and Hope College College JV before returning home to face Lake Michigan College in the annual battle of US 31.
November 14, 2009
Andrews University Cardinals 66 Moody Bible Institute Archers 52
Stephan Blackwood knew when the season began that a lot would be demanded of him; he finally stepped up and delivered. Blackwood was red hot from the field shooting an astounding 71 percent (10 of 14) for 22 points. He was not just satisfied with putting up a lot of points though; he grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out 4 assists, and stole 4 passes for a great overall game.
“Well basically I try to come out and bring the team energy, make lay-ups and I figure if I go hard the whole team will go hard, and that’s what ended up happening,” said Blackwood
A team is not one individual though, the Cardinals used stifling defense to force 23 Archer turnovers, 17 of them off of steals. The cardinals also owned the glass 26 to 12. Robert Lee continued his hot shooting from the field going 6 of 8 for 14 points, 2 for 2 from downtown. Freshman center Jerome Murray contributed 10 points going aggressively to the basket. Guard Christain Tchamba had a great game defensively, his active hands deflected passes and were constantly in the passing lanes, making it difficult for the Archers to pass.
Impressive statistic that stands out is freshman center Ben Weakley with 4 assists for the second straight game, a big man with sweet passes.
As a team the Cardinals attacked the basket and did not settle for bad jump shots, that is reflected in the 51% shooting from the field ( 25 of 49).
“We played better as a team, and we passed the ball, and we played harder, he told us to get it together and play as a team and not to worry about the score board and play hard,” said Freshman Jean Romulus.
November 11, 2009
Home Sweet Home
By Dowin Coffy
Two road games, two losses, one home game, one win, there is just nothing quite like playing in the friendly confines of the Johnson Gymnasium for the Cardinals. Playing in their first home game of the year, the Andrews Cardinals rode point guard Ryan Little’s 13 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds along with a strong defensive effort that forced the Crusaders(Great Lakes Christian College) into shooting 30 percent (12-40) and 11 turnovers to a resounding 58-37 victory. Little also contributed two steals and a block shot for a complete all around game in leading his team as a captain.
The new-look cardinals sporting a whole new cast and only three re turners overcame nerves and a slow start to coast to a 20 point lead 5 minutes into the third quarter. Defense was key for the Cardinals as exemplified by one stretch in particular, Stephan Blackwood hustled back on defense and blocked a shot off the backboard which lead to an easy lay-up on the other end, and the ensuing Crusader possession freshman center Jerome Murray swatted an ill-advised Crusader shot which lead to an easy Robert Lee lay-up on the other end. Lee finished shooting a scorching 50 percent from the field (3 of 6) 2 of 3 from downtown for 8 points.
“We still got a lot of work to do, we’ve had our ups and downs from the beginning, we just have to stay focused, and it’s only up from here, just keep working hard, said Robert Lee
Another notable performer was Jerome Murray hitting 63 percent of his shots (5 of 8) for 10 points, to go along with 4 steals a block shot and two assists.
The Cardinals are now 1-2; the next home game is Saturday November 14 against annual rival Moody Bible College.