Page 16 Lion Cagers Rule 'The Pit' by Todd J. Irwin Collegian Staff Writer Erie Hall is a far cry from LA's Forum in all aspects but one ... home court advantage. "It's a pit to play in," said Behrcnd's men's basketball coach, Doug Zimmerman, "but it's home." What a home it is! The Lions are 7-0 in Erie Hall, which, at best, resembles an elementary school gym, and they are holding close to an old success formula. "A general rule of thumb is win at home and split on the road," said Zimmerman, "We've been winning at home and almost splitting on the road." Undefeated at home and 3-5 on the road bring the Lions to 10-5 overall. After roaring out to a 4-0 start back in December, the Lions dropped by one point to SUNY- Fredonia. The next day, Bchrcnd's hoopers stomped Bethany College to up their record to 5-1 before the semester break. The team returned to practice on December 26 in preparation for the Mt. Union Tournament, but dropped two games in two nights there. "Overall the break hurt us," said Zimmerman, "we lost the momentum we had early in the season." The Lions bounced back -uickly, though, pulling out a ti, le point victory over St. Vi. .ent at home on January 4. A i id trip to Grove City gave Behrtad its fourth loss, 86-94, but the following week the Lions returned to "the pit" , and won on consecutive days. On January 13, Behrend's cagers avenged their first loss of the season by beating Fredonia, 83-79. Thiel fell to the Lions by one, 77-76, the next day. Keuka College visited Bchrend on January 17 and also 1 ACV 3t(ll7de Note a.dpk. S t n4ilsbiesO sMi " 4s. tfiedithiswitis*. •*; NIMMOIit fell in the pit. Geneva broke Behrend's three game winning streak, but the Lions got back on track with another home victory over St. John Fisher, 87-70. Zimmerman's team has held true to his preseason predictions. "The team has good chemistry. Everyone gets along and the scoring is spread out," said Zimmerman. Five of Behrend's players, senior Dave Gurska, junior Mo Pringle, and sophomores Randy Baughman, photos by Rick Brooks Lions' forward Moise Pringle (left) and guard Randy Baughman each get a two against - Keuka k L°l I Lot DIPPING IS FOR DIPS. DON'T USE SNUFF OR CHEVVNG TOBACCO ~.~ ri .6* itiSSMik A-wWiraGap,'S.-inile • -% .~::~.. , v... 14 :wch , tik Rick Demski, and Chris Viscuso, average more than ten points per game. Add in senior Bob Minford at just under 10 points per game, the result is a very well rounded offense. Zimmerman admits that his team is usually smaller than their opponent, but use their quickness to a maximum in a running game. Coach Zimmerman uses this analogy to describe his team's play, "It's pretty hard for a big dog to catch a quick rabbit, TONIGHT IN ERIE HALL: BURGER KING - PEPSI NIGHT The Lions vs. Grove City College Prizes and Premiums Galore! Watch for other upcoming events January 28 Febuary 6 Febuary 8 Febuary 20 The Collegian Wednesday, January 25 but if he does, we're in trouble." According to Zimmerman, the next couple weeks are important to the team's chances for postscason play. Bchrend's best shot lies in the East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC) Tournament. Bdhrend's coach is hoping that the selection committee takes into consideration that Bchrend plays many larger teams, many of whom offer athletic scholarships. It's not going to get any easier Mens' Basketball ROTC NIGHT ALUMNI CONSTITUENT NIGHT McDONALDS NIGHT HOOP SHOT GIVE-AWAY with teams like Geneva and Grove City remaining on the schedule, but Zimmerman remains optimistic, "We're relatively young, starting three sophomores ... but expectations arc still high." A bid for postseason play was one of Zimmerman's main goals for this season, and the Lions are certainly keeping that goal in their sights. On Jan.. 23, the Lions beat Suny-Brockport 97-96
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