Men’s Basketball Trails Behind
By Owen Russell
The men’s basketball team came up empty this week, losing both of their conference matchups. The two losses extend their losing streak to six and sink their record to 3-16.
Brooklyn’s first loss of the week came against Medgar Evers on Jan. 24 after defeating the Cougars earlier this month. The Bulldogs started hot, jumping out to a seven-point lead within the first four minutes. By halftime, the lead had shrunk to just two, with Brooklyn up 32-30. The second half became a different story. The Bulldogs could not keep pace with the Cougars, allowing Medgar Evers to pull ahead. In the end, Brooklyn lost 65-56. A large portion of that deficit came by way of free throws. The Cougars got to the foul line 13 times and converted nine of their chances. Brooklyn made it to the line 10 times, but could only capitalize for five points. Sophomore guards David McFadden and Serge Thraysbule led the team in scoring, with 17 points each.
On Jan. 27, the Bulldogs failed to redeem themselves against Baruch, losing their second game to the Bearcats this season. Once again, the Bulldogs jumped out to a big lead. This time the Bulldogs raced to a 10-point lead in the first 10 minutes. The pace became unsustainable, however, as Baruch chiseled away at the lead. The Bearcats took control at halftime and did not look back. As the final seconds ticked away, Baruch secured a double-digit victory, winning 74-62. Senior guard Kayin Olajide led the Bulldogs this time, scoring 17 points.
Five games remain before the postseason. The Bulldogs will look to string together some victories and build momentum heading into the playoffs.
Women’s Basketball Stays Shining In The CUNYAC
By Owen Russell
The women’s basketball team continues to roll through the CUNYAC, securing their seventh and eighth straight wins against conference opponents this past week.
Brooklyn decimated Medgar Evers on Jan. 24. Everyone knew the game was over by halftime, as the Bulldogs led 37-13. The scoring torrent didn’t stop there. In the second half, Brooklyn continued to pour it on, adding another 37 points for good measure. The Bulldogs won 74-32, crushing another rival. Senior guard Gianna Gotti continued her dominant season, scoring 20 points while swiping five steals.
Jan. 27’s game against Baruch proved a remarkably similar outcome. This time around, the Bulldogs stumbled out of the starter’s block. The first quarter became a battle, with Brooklyn trailing 15-13 heading into the second. Some teams may have cracked under the pressure of an unexpected early challenge, but not the Bulldogs. Brooklyn held the Bearcats to one second-quarter point; from there, it was smooth sailing for the Bulldogs. Brooklyn cruised to a 76-39 win and improved their season record to 12-7. Leading scorer, senior guard Ericka James, scored 18 points. Gianna Gotti led the team in steals again with eight.
The Bulldogs are getting hot at the right time, winning their last eight games. With six games left until the playoffs, Brooklyn looks like the team to beat.
Men’s Volleyball Season Kicks Off
By Owen Russell
The men’s volleyball team kicked their season off on Jan. 21, with their record standing at 1-2.
Brooklyn started the season strong at the King’s College tri-match. Their first opponent of the day, Pratt Institute, was no match for the Bulldogs. Brooklyn won a relatively close first set (25-19), but from there, the Bulldogs had no trouble dispensing with the Cannoneers. Brooklyn handily won the subsequent sets, outplaying Pratt in every category including aces. The Bulldogs scored eight times off the serve compared to Pratt’s mere two aces. Junior outside hitter Tommy Min led the team with 10 kills. Fellow junior outside hitter, Admir Cekic, led the team with four aces and 34 assists.
Brooklyn’s second match of the day against King’s College did not play out similarly. The Bulldogs suffered a three-set sweep (25-13, 25-22, 25-7). Brooklyn could not stop the host team, as King’s College dominated the box score. Unlike the match against Pratt, Brooklyn scored only four aces, while King’s College earned 17. Junior outside hitter Armand Kaloshi led the team with seven kills.
The Bulldogs’ game against SUNY Purchase on Jan. 25 resulted in a second straight sweep. Brooklyn kept things close. All three sets were determined by less than four points each, but the Bulldogs could not tip the scale. Purchase won each set (25-21, 26-24, 25-23). Brooklyn’s effort is evident in the box score. They scored more kills, assists, and digs. Luck just wasn’t in their favor. Junior Zhao Ming Li scored 10 kills and three aces, leading the Bulldogs in both. Admir Cekic added 25 assists to his season total.
The Bulldogs still have a long season in front of them. Hopefully, they can correct their mistakes and pile up some wins.