Lincoln, Neb. – The Polars men's basketball team traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska over Thanksgiving weekend for two games. On Friday, they played Buena Vista, losing by a score of 72-77.
The Polars got off to a hot start and led for the first eight minutes of the game, leading by as much as eight. Buena Vista took the lead with 11:13 remaining in the half and didn't surrender the lead the rest of the game. After a hot start to the game for the Polars, they finished with a 41% field goal percentage but also shot 41% from three. This was just not good enough to match Buena Vista's 48% from the floor and an impressive 7-12 (58%) from three as the Polars trailed 30-40 at the half. The second half was a different story for the Polars. The improved their shooting percentage to 53% and shot 45% from beyond the arc. They went 5-6 from the line after only shooting 2 free throws in the first half. Their defense also improved as Buena Vista shot only 36% from the floor and 4-14 (42%) from three. The Polars cut the lead to one numerous times in the half but were never able to tie the game or take the lead. The Polars won the second half but fell short by five points as Buena Vista made their free throws down the stretch to maintain their lead.
Anthony Knight led the scoring for the Polars with 17 points on 7 of 15 shooting and 5 assists.
Colby Deluce finished with 14 points on another efficient 6 of 9 from the floor and 1-2 from three.
Tristan Youngblood shot 3 of 6 from three with 11 points.
Tyler Smith tallied 11 boards and 6 assists with an impressive 6 blocked shots. The Polars got back captain and senior leader
Parker Behne, who came off the bench and played 22 minutes. He was crucial in the Polars second half, going 4-4 from the free throw line.
The Polars play again on Saturday against Nebraska Wesleyan University. This is game number 2 in Lincoln, Nebraska as the Polars will look to split the weekend.
