Basketball Teams Elevate their Game in the Second Semester
The Rustler basketball teams started the new year by stacking up several victories to move them closer to solidifying playoff positions.
On January 13 and 14 the North West Polytech Wolves came to Lakeland for a doubleheader. The Rustlers wanted to start the second semester off on a positive note Friday night the women's team built a lead and did not look back on their way to a 94 – 52 lead. Alana Olson led all Rustler scorers with 30 points. On the men's side, the Wolves battled the Rustlers each step of the way, but in the end, the home team squeaked out a 76 – 74 victory. Bahaeddin Salma and Abdul Al-Tamimi each contributed 17 points to the Rustler's victory.
On Saturday the Rustler women again built a substantial lead on their way to an 87 – 51 lead. Rookie Susan Aya leads the Rustlers with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals. On Saturday the men played with a greater sense of urgency and built a lead and continued to grow the lead eventually defeating North West by a score of 76 – 58. Noah Simpson led all Rustlers with 16 points and 7 rebounds.
On January 20 and 21 the Rustlers competed in a home-and-home series with the Kings University College Eagles. At home, on Friday the Rustlers women added one more win to their record with 73 – 63 victory. Alana Olson dropped in 15 points to lead all Rustler scorers. On the men's side, the Rustlers headed into the half with a 55 – 31 lead and did not look back on their way to a 102 – 64 victory. DeAndre Andersen led the Rustler scorers with 17 points.
Saturday the Rustlers traveled to Kings to compete in the return engagement. The women's team made it 4 in a row to start the second semester with a 69 – 68 victory over the Eagles. Alana Olson had another strong game for the Rustlers dropping in 28 points. On the men's side, although the Rustlers built a substantial lead going into the half, the Eagles chipped away at the lead and eventually secured a 93 – 91 victory. Noah Simpson and Shaq Manswell each chipped in 19 points for the Rustlers.
Next up for the Basketball teams will be a home-and-home series against the Concordia Thunder on February 3 and 4. The Rustlers will be on the road on Friday and playing the second game at home on the 4th.