By Brianna Moynihan, Saint Reporter

Courtesy of Andris Visockis

On Jan. 17, the men’s basketball team ended a two loss streak after defeating Lourdes University, 62-41. Sophomore forward Rashaud Orange believes this was the win they needed to help the Saints get back on track.

“The last few games we came out strong in the first half but then would come out in the second half a little iffy,” Orange said. “ Yesterday I feel like we were more consistent overall.”

Currently, the Saints are sitting at sixth in the league standings with a 7-7 conference record and 11-11 record overall. Junior guard Jeremy Williamson claims they have made progress in many areas since the start of the season.

“We have come very far since the beginning of the season with trusting each other and holding each other accountable,” Williamson said.

Accountability has become a recurring key component for the Saints’ success. According to Orange, senior guard Jake Bullock has been essential to maintaining this component for the team.  

“Jake is consistent as far as communicating, scoring, and holding everybody accountable,” Orange said.

Bullock currently leads the team in scoring with 364 points.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, the team is anticipating revengening losses from University of Michigan-Dearborn and Cornerstone University, which were handed to them earlier this season. Junior forward Arsenio Arrington recognizes the work the needs to be put in and where improvements need to be made to finish the season on a high note.

“Communication, focus, and trusting each other,” Arrington said. “Coming into the games focused and prepared.”

The Saints’ toughest competition left on the schedule is the Cornerstone men’s basketball team, who currently holds the No. 1 spot in the league. The Saints fell to the Golden Eagles 69-75 on Nov. 30 but will square up against them again at home on Feb. 15. But according to Arlington, the team is not too worried.

“We are confident,” Arrington said. “Real hype for the rest of the season. The teams we lost to are coming here, so we are excited.”