Lions teams earn split against GSC foe

Consistency has been the issue concerning the men’s team all season and Jan. 5 proved no different.

After a promising showing against Auburn University the Lions fell to Mississippi College 81-68.

“We’re just not sustaining effort for the entire 40 minutes,” junior guard Brandon Herman. “It’s just like practice has been for us.”

The Lions were unable to find the basket as they finished shooting below 40 percent for the entire game.

“Mississippi College outplayed us offensively, defensively and any way you want to put it they outplayed us,” head men’s basketball coach Bobby Champagne said. “I’d like to think we’ve consistently played hard but we haven’t.”

Champagne said more players need to step up for the team to get better.

“Nathan Spehr tried to step up but he needs more help,” he said. “Our opponent is not the problem, our worst enemy is ourselves.”

Herman said despite the loss the team remains confident heading forward.

“Confidence is not our problem, sustaining effort is the problem,” he said.

Meanwhile, after losing a heartbreaker to Delta State University the women’s team bounced back to collect a win against Mississippi College 78-69.

“We did what we needed to do to win the game,” said head women’s basketball coach Missy Tiber. “We got crucial stops toward the end of the game.”

The Lions defense stepped up and forced 27 turnovers, which led to 31 points.

“It was ugly but it counts,” said junior guard Jennifer Towne. “Forcing turnovers was the key for us so we tried to apply a lot of ball pressure. The injuries have been bothering us but we found a way to pull through.”

UNA was without guards Lauren Faris and Janae Lyde due to injuries.

“We had to play a lot freshmen and sometimes freshmen play like freshmen,” Tiber said. “But overall they played well.”