After tacking on two losses this past week, the men’s basketball team’s chances of making the playoffs come down to its performance in its last two regular-season games.
The Wildcats took the long journey Saturday to Canton, Mo., to match up against Culver-Stockton College but failed to come home with a victory, losing 82-76.
Going into halftime, the Wildcats were leading 41-40 but were unable to keep the lead during the second half.
“We played fairly well most of the ball game, and neither team could take control of the game,” head coach Rick Weaver said. “It was a game that went back and forth, and we had our opportunities all the way until the end.”
The Wildcats led during the second half on several occasions until Culver-Stockton took the lead with two free throws.
Sophomore Dain Dillingham said the team’s lack of execution has been what has cost them several close games.
“Late in the game, our execution failed us again,” Dillingham said. “We needed some stops on defense and couldn’t get them, and we needed some offensive shots, but we couldn’t get them either.”
With the score at 76-73, senior Nate Pedrow, who finished the game with 19 points and 11 rebounds, tied the game with a three-point play. On the other end, two more free throws put Culver-Stockton up 78-76.
“We had a chance to tie it or take the lead with 11 seconds on the clock but didn’t get it done,” Weaver said.
Culver-Stockton added two more baskets to seal the game.
Senior Marc Roberts put up 14 points and nine rebounds from inside the paint, while junior Andy Hannon finished with 15. Junior Taylor Parker finished with seven assists.
“It’s tough when you go on the road,” senior DJ Watkins said. “We needed a big win for our conference standings but just came up a little bit short.”
The Wildcats dropped their second chance against Benedictine College Thursday, 87-78, in Collins Center.
Watkins said the main factor in the loss was their inability to stop key players.
“They are a really good team, and we didn’t take care of all their threats,” Watkins said.
The Ravens seemed unstoppable, shooting 69 percentfrom the arc and 56 percent for the game. Sophomore Drew Huppe scored almost half of the Ravens’ points by putting up 40 points, 26 of which were in the first half.
“That’s something you’re not always really prepared for, but in our type of conference, we have to guard everyone because anyone can have a great night at anytime,” Dillingham said.
Huppe’s scoring output was the most points an opposing player has ever put up against a Rick Weaver coached team in the Collins Center.
The Wildcats had three players finish in double figures, while senior Nate Pedrow recorded another double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Watkins added 18, while Hannon scored 10.
The team traveled to Missouri Valley College Thursday, but results were unavailable at press time.
The Wildcats will host Evangel University at 4 p.m. Saturday and will be recognizing seniors during the game.
To clinch an invitation to the HAAC postseason tournament, the Baker Wildcats must beat both Missouri Valley and Evangel.
On Jan. 29, Baker lost to Evangel 73-57 at the Ashcroft Center in Springfield, Mo.
The Baker Wildcats are now 14-14 overall and 6-12 in the HAAC. They have lost their last 6 games.