Douglas College men’s basketball team walks away victorious
By Michael Sopow, Sports Reporter
On November 15, the men’s basketball team faced off against the Kwantlen Eagles. The Royals, coming off a two-game win streak, were looking to continue their momentum by picking up a third win for the season.
The game started off with Kwantlen taking an early lead. Douglas appeared to struggle offensively and the Eagles were able to capitalize on their own offensive chances, giving them a slight edge on the scoreboard. However, the game remained a back-and-forth competition due to Douglas’ tenacious defensive efforts and their persistent ball movement. The Royals were able to keep the leading score within reach, eventually pulling back close to even by the end of the first quarter, leaving the score at 22-18 for Kwantlen.
In the second quarter the game remained close, but Douglas began to pick up the pieces and demonstrated the effort that was required to contend for the lead in the game. Douglas’ improved offensive pressure allowed them to generate a great number of fouls while driving for the basket, leading to multiple free-throw opportunities. Uncontested shots from the free-throw line were a welcome sight for the team. By the end of the second quarter, the Royals were leading by five points and looking as confident as ever on the court.
After halftime, the game remained in reach for Kwantlen. Both teams offences were looking consistent and well-matched, with the game going from one end of the court to the other. At the end of the day, what eventually led Douglas College to break away from the Eagles and an otherwise close game was their relentless offence combined with the Kwanlen’s turnover rate, a product of the Royals’ defence.
The Eagles attempted a zone defence within the last minutes of the fourth quarter, but even that defensive effort was broken down and turned around by Douglas College, leaving the final score at 79-67 in Douglas’ favour.
