Men’s basketball looks to learn from difficult season

In the game of basketball, it's a win-lose situation. In the case of Ottawa Braves basketball, it's proven to be a challenging season.

On Jan. 23 in Newton, the Braves men's basketball team won their 5th game against Bethel College, making their record 5-15-0. Having been challenged to keep progressing, the team is staying motivated.

"With the progress the team is making I can see us finishing the second half of the season toward the top half of the KCAC and making a great ride in the KCAC tournament," Junior Kyle Schreiner said.

Having high hopes for the rest of the season is something the team is striving for.

"If we play to our best it's a good chance we can win the conference tournament," Junior Olive' Palu said.

Knowing the strength in the team is something that has proven to be successful for the Braves. Winning their fifth game straight has been quite uplifting for the team.

"It felt good to win that game because it's been a while," Sophomore Isaac Johnston said.

"We needed it, just one win, especially since we needed to get one win to get us going to the second round of conference play."

By pushing through rough times and frustration, Johnson believes teamwork and motivation will help the team in the long run.

"It (is rough) because we have a young team and we're just now starting to build our chemistry," Johnson said. "When something is getting good you have to stop for a second."

However, with a new team frustration can be evident at times.

"I'm a little disappointed, I expected the team to do better, but I feel that we have grown," Freshman Mason Mcdaniels said.

The Braves look to continue growing.

"It's a bitter sweet feeling knowing that our games are numbered and the season is winding down," Schreiner said. "While also still having the knowledge that the off season and the summer will bring great opportunities for the team as well as for individuals to improve and for us to become a more cohesive unit."