The Bucknell Bison beat up on the Navy Midshipmen by a final score of 88-58 on Wednesday night in a Patriot League contest. It was most definitely a much needed win for the Bison, as it snapped a seven game skid (one that dates all the way back to the middle of November). Though starter Zach Thomas and key reserve Nate Jones were both injured, the Bison fed off of Chris Hass and Stephen Brown and never looked back.
Hot Night For Hass
As always expected, Hass led the Bison in scoring while shooting at a very high percentage. Hass netted 22 points on the evening on a great eight-of-twelve shooting. The senior conference player of the year candidate tacked on five assists and three rebounds to go with his nice scoring output. Through the team's cold streak, Hass continued to score well, and his scoring definitely boosted the team right out of their slump.
Brown's Rare Scoring Night
Sophomore floor general Stephen Brown isn't usually the guy that will be competing with Hass for the team's top scorer. However, on Wednesday something got into Brown on the offensive side of the floor as he set career highs in points and assists with 18 and eight, respectively. As usual, Brown was efficient as he made five shots on just eight attempts. To go along with the scoring, Brown also played great on the defensive side of the ball, which he always seems to do.
Team Effort
Overall, it was a great team win for the Bison as everyone on the team logged double digit minutes (except freshman Nate Sestina, though his minutes did come in the first half so the importance cannot be overlooked). Kimbal Mackenzie came off of the bench and played more than anyone else on the team. Senior Matt Banas played significant minutes for one of the first times in his career. Wins like these are definitely important, as they allow the starters to get their rest and the reserves to get their minutes.
Looking Ahead
The Bison have the next few days off before they travel to take on the Army Black Knights. That will definitely be a challenge for Bucknell, as the Knights currently sit with a 10-3 record and they seem to be the favorite to win the league. Thomas and Jones will be key players in that game and their health should be a major concern for the coaches and training staff in the next few days. Hass will get his like he always does, and Nana Foulland should be ready to get back on track after tonight's team win. The whole team needs to be ready for Army though, as that is one of Bucknell's most important games to this point in the season.