Men's basketball suffers slow start with 78-87 loss at Case

The men's basketball team has gotten off to a rather slow start but remains optimistic. In both the preseason NCAC coaches poll and the media poll, Oberlin was voted as being the team that would finish last in the conference. Head Coach James "Satch" Sullinger said that these polls were probably accurate.

This is a transition period for the team, but of his players, Sullinger says that they are "right on target" in this phase of the rebuilding process. But on-target is not the same as excelling. "We have better players than before but the attitude is the same as it was in that past," he said. "We aren't willing to give to the program without asking for something in return." Satch did say that overall this year's team is much less selfish than past years', and there are no quitters.

The team has improved in 10 of 16 statistical areas from last year. Sullinger said that the team is traveling towards the path of success. Junior Brian Buchanan was likewise positive about the team's potential. "We are building but still have failed to win a game," Buchanan said. "We have a very athletic team that works well together. We have the ability to be a great team."

While they rebuild however, the team has fallen hard to their last three opponents. The team participated in the Case Western Reserve tournament on Nov. 27 and 28. In the first match-up Oberlin went to battle with John Carroll University. At the half, Oberlin was only trailing by 10. But they would be unable to make much of a dent in those ten points throughout the second half. They would walk away with a loss, 78-87.

Co-captains sophomore Maurice Elrod and junior Zeljko Petrovic led the team with their scoring efforts. Elrod was 8 for 13 from the floor including two of three from three point range for 22 points. Petrovic contributed 17, knocking down six of the 10 shots he took. He was also two of three from three-point range, and pulled down a team-high five rebounds.

Saturday the Yeomen played Heidelberg College. This contest got off to a much slower start with Oberlin trailing 38-20 at the half. In the end, the Yeomen walked away with a loss. Although they were only outscored by four points in the second half, they could not seem to repair the damage that had been done in the first. Again the leading scorers were Elrod and Petrovic with 17 and 12 points respectively. Half of Zeljko's points were from free throws were he was perfect in six attempts from the line. Elrod led the team rebounding efforts with eight boards with first-year Jon MacDonald adding seven.

Tuesday's game against the Big Red of Denison looked very promising going into halftime. Oberlin found themselves with a narrow 38-35 lead. But Denison really stepped up a notch in the second half, as they outscored the Yeomen 45-29,resulting in the final score of 80-67 Denison. Petrovic led Oberlin with 19 points. Elrod was a close second with 15. Buchanan also made a significant contribution with 13 points. Petrovic and freshman Djordje Emeric led in rebounds with Zeljko pulling down eight and Emeric seven.

Buchanan said that one of the main goals for the year is to become a threat in the conference. The Yeomen have a chance to continue that quest as they go on the road to take on the College of Wooster next Wednesday. The tipoff is at 8 p.m.