 "Photo: N/A")
The Rams snapped their 32-game winning streak.
The men’s basketball team’s first loss in 738 days came Feb. 4 at the hands of Texas College who beat the Rams 82-69.
The previous loss was to Jarvis Christian College Jan. 28, 2008. After that, the Rams surpassed their record of 23 straight wins set in 1942.
“It was a nice ongoing record to have,” said Head Coach Terry Waldrop. “I don’t think it affected our game in any way, though. We just did all the little things you need to win, that is, mainly rebounding and defending.”
During the streak, the Rams defeated some of the best teams in the country, including Oklahoma City University, LSU Shreveport, Oklahoma Baptist University and Oklahoma Christian University.
With the return to NAIA and under the lead of Waldrop and Brennen Shingleton, a program built on character, hard work and consistency led to success.
In 2006, the Rams not only qualified for the national tournament for the first time since 1983 and thus ended a 23-year drought, but went all the way to the national title.
Having established themselves as regulars on the national stage, the Rams receive more attention.
“The continuous returns to the national scene and the incredible run at home really say something about the competitiveness of the program,” said Athletic Director Kevin Millikan. “They have really used the momentum.”
Facing nationally recognized opponents on a regular basis, Waldrop knows how much work was required to establish the program and what it takes to stay in the top.
“Brennen has been instrumental with our success,” he said. “We both have high standardsand reflect those everyday with every player. To play year in and year out among the elite teams in the nation is something we are very proud of and strive to continue through consistency and character.”
The 15th-ranked Rams are currently 18-7 overall and 11-3 in conference play. They will have the chance to start a new home game streak at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 when hosting conference-opponent Wiley College in the Sid W. Richardson Center.
“We want to be the best team we can be,” Waldrop said. “This program has been built on character, hard work and the ability to buy into what has been highly effective and stood the test of time.”
Be the first to comment on this article!