This past weekend, the St. Lawrence University men’s basketball team had their longest road trip this year (five and a half hours) for their games against both Bard College and Vassar College. The team was excited going into the games because it was a chance to create further distance away from the rest of the Liberty League, with the men’s team being in first place.

Claiming first place in the league would be advantageous for the men’s team, as they would not have to travel for the postseason Liberty League tournament. This would provide a home-court advantage, therefore increasing the chances of winning the Liberty League postseason tournament and then going on to represent the Liberty League in the NCAA Tournament.

This was the mentality of the St. Lawrence men’s team going into the games this past weekend. After a five and a half hour ride, the team went on to play Vassar College, the first of the back-to-back games. It was a tough game for the men’s team, as Vassar’s high-post players caused problems for St. Lawrence zone. On the offensive end, St. Lawrence seemed to be unable to find a groove offensively.

The team was missing open shots that they were normally accustomed to making, resulting in 26 percent shooting from the field for the St. Lawrence men’s team and a 70-49 loss in Poughkeepsie.

After this loss, the men’s team was even more motivated to come back strong the next day against Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY. The men’s team bounced back as they came out with even more energy in the game against Bard College.

The St. Lawrence men’s team battled a physical and athletic Bard men’s basketball team for 40 minutes and was able to come out with a 53-46 victory. This was a huge win to bounce back from the loss the night before against Vassar. Currently the men’s team is tied for first place in the Liberty League with Skidmore College.

This final stretch of the season is key for the men’s basketball team, as this is the time that they will be able to secure first place in these final eight games of the regular season.  They will have an opportunity to win these key games and be the lone team in first place. The men’s team will play Hobart College and RIT this coming Friday and Saturday.