With fewer than 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Hopkins men’s basketball team holds the fourth position in Centennial Conference, behind the Franklin & Marshall College Diplomats, the Swarthmore College Garnet, and the Gettysburg College Bullets respectively.
“While it’s nice to be in a playoff spot now, it doesn’t mean much if we don’t finish the season strong. In our league, a lot of the teams are even talent-wise, so it’s up to us to take it game-by-game and secure a playoff spot,” senior Gene Williams said.
The lineup has seen some changes over the month of January, after the team lost senior Austin Vasiliadis to an ACL tear. Sophomore Kyle Doran is also still recovering from an ankle injury that he sustained during Conference play.
Over the winter break and Intersession, the Blue Jays played 10 games, including two tournaments and key Conference matchups, with a 6-4 record.
After falling to the undefeated Susquehanna University Crusaders in the Crowne Plaza Holiday Tournament at Albright College, Hopkins defeated Alfred 77-69 in the consolation match on Dec. 30. Senior Sam Gordon was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Three days later, the Jays returned to Goldfarb Gymnasium for the 25th Annual Blue Jay Invitational on Jan. 2. Hopkins defeated the Framingham State University Rams to advance to the tournament final against Hampden-Sydney College Tigers.
The host team lost an overtime thriller, 75-70. Williams and Doran earned All-Tournament Team honors, but the Blue Jays slipped to 4-6 on the season as they headed into Conference play.
On Jan. 16, the men’s team participated in Military Appreciation Day at Goldfarb Gym, which honored veterans from various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Donations supported The Wounded Warriors Project.
“We tend to forget what sacrifice people in our country give to keep the population safe from attack,” senior Nico Kotoulas said. “Supporting the Wounded Warrior program is a cause that Hopkins basketball is proud to support and will continue to support in the future. Honoring those that have served this country is the least we can do.”
With that win over the Ursinus College Bears, the Blue Jays achieved four wins over their last five games.
After three straight wins over Conference foes the Haverford College Fords, the Muhlenberg College Mules and the Swarthmore Garnet, the only misstep had come two days before the Ursinus game in a tight loss to the Conference leader, Franklin & Marshall. In front of a crowd of over 1,000 in Lancaster, Pa., the Jays lost 63-60.
On Wednesday, Jan. 20, Hopkins lost their away contest to the fifth ranked Dickinson College Red Devils. Although they started strong and initially commanded a 12-3 lead, the Jays found themselves trailing after Dickinson scored 12 unanswered. The Red Devils led by 10 at half after igniting on a 13-2 run right before the break.
Dickinson extended its lead to 14 on two occasions early in the second half. Hopkins was able to chip away, but Dickinson seniors Ted Hinnenkamp and Brandon Angradi combined for 43 points that kept the Red Devils in front.
Despite pulling within three with just over three minutes remaining, the Jays were unable to stop Dickinson and Angradi, who scored his 1,000 career point.
With an 8-3 run at the end of the second half, the Red Devils secured the 71-62 upset.
In the loss, Gordon recorded his second double of the season, adding a career high 14 rebounds to his 15 points. Gordon was just one of three Hopkins players to contribute double digits. Senior Matt Billups added 13 while junior Ryan Curran chipped in 10.
“We’ve shown signs of being a great team throughout the year but have yet to put it together consistently. We plan to change that come February,” Williams said.
Saturday’s home contest against Haverford was postponed due to Winter Storm Jonas. That game will be rescheduled in the coming weeks, where the Jays will have the opportunity to improve their Conference standing.
The Jays will hit the hardwood again this Saturday, Jan. 30 at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. The Jays will have the opportunity to secure their second win over Swarthmore this season while knocking off one of the Conference’s leaders.
(Overall: 8-8; Conference: 5-4)
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.