Wolves outlast Peregrines for win
Benjamin Moul
Issue date: 2/22/10 Section: Sports
The Wolves of Cardinal Stritch University brought experience and a physical presence to the court last Wednesday to defeat the younger Peregrines team in their last home game, 80-68.
CSU won the tip-off and drove down the court to take the early lead, which they held for the duration of the game. When PUC got a chance at offense, the Wolves played as a pack, often harassing the ball-handler with double-coverage at the top of the key. This strategy forced a number of Peregrine turnovers, which produced 21 points for the Wolves throughout the game.
Both teams shot poorly from beyond the three-point line in the first half, combining for 1-9 and allowing the Peregrines to keep the Wolves initially within reach. Aggressive defense created openings in the paint for both teams, but costly Peregrine turnovers gradually allowed the Wolves to take the lead. Though the Peregrines only trailed 23-22 with seven minutes to go in the first period, they fell behind by eight points at the half.
The game continued in much the same manner after the break, as PUC came back to the game in a stupor. Sluggish reactions from the Peregrines and uncontested shots gave CSU its largest lead of the game, 70-50, with just six minutes to go in the contest. The Peregrines then managed several key stops and went on an 18-10 run to close out the game only 12 points behind the Wolves.
"It was a very physical game," Coach Dan Voudrie said. "The depth and maturity of Cardinal Stritch worked to their advantage at that level of physical play, which was beyond what is normally seen in a game."
The Wolves came into the game on a 16 game win streak, as well as a CCAC record of 11-0. According to PUC freshman forward Brant Stockamp, playing such a high caliber team gave the Peregrines a great learning experience.
"Since the last time we played Cardinal Stritch, we improved a lot," Stockamp said. "After this game, even though we lost, we know we can play with anyone in the conference. We fought to the end and that helps our confidence going into our next game."
The youngest members of the PUC squad produced quite well for the Peregrines, as Stockamp and other freshmen starters, Mark Sutter and Aaron Evans, combined for 44 points.
Evans led the way with 22 points and five assists, which gave the team some much-needed momentum.
"We were scoring quite a bit and getting some easy looks, so that was good," Evans said. "But we still need to get better, to prepare, and to get some more momentum."
The Peregrines took the game as a learning opportunity and said they hope to use it as a platform for future success.
"It was a chance to compete and to grow, which is so important for our ball club," Voudrie said. "We learned what it takes to be a really good team."
CSU won the tip-off and drove down the court to take the early lead, which they held for the duration of the game. When PUC got a chance at offense, the Wolves played as a pack, often harassing the ball-handler with double-coverage at the top of the key. This strategy forced a number of Peregrine turnovers, which produced 21 points for the Wolves throughout the game.
Both teams shot poorly from beyond the three-point line in the first half, combining for 1-9 and allowing the Peregrines to keep the Wolves initially within reach. Aggressive defense created openings in the paint for both teams, but costly Peregrine turnovers gradually allowed the Wolves to take the lead. Though the Peregrines only trailed 23-22 with seven minutes to go in the first period, they fell behind by eight points at the half.
The game continued in much the same manner after the break, as PUC came back to the game in a stupor. Sluggish reactions from the Peregrines and uncontested shots gave CSU its largest lead of the game, 70-50, with just six minutes to go in the contest. The Peregrines then managed several key stops and went on an 18-10 run to close out the game only 12 points behind the Wolves.
"It was a very physical game," Coach Dan Voudrie said. "The depth and maturity of Cardinal Stritch worked to their advantage at that level of physical play, which was beyond what is normally seen in a game."
The Wolves came into the game on a 16 game win streak, as well as a CCAC record of 11-0. According to PUC freshman forward Brant Stockamp, playing such a high caliber team gave the Peregrines a great learning experience.
"Since the last time we played Cardinal Stritch, we improved a lot," Stockamp said. "After this game, even though we lost, we know we can play with anyone in the conference. We fought to the end and that helps our confidence going into our next game."
The youngest members of the PUC squad produced quite well for the Peregrines, as Stockamp and other freshmen starters, Mark Sutter and Aaron Evans, combined for 44 points.
Evans led the way with 22 points and five assists, which gave the team some much-needed momentum.
"We were scoring quite a bit and getting some easy looks, so that was good," Evans said. "But we still need to get better, to prepare, and to get some more momentum."
The Peregrines took the game as a learning opportunity and said they hope to use it as a platform for future success.
"It was a chance to compete and to grow, which is so important for our ball club," Voudrie said. "We learned what it takes to be a really good team."
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Russian Wives
posted 3/21/10 @ 4:13 AM CST
I like articles like this. Great Article! Thanks!
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