The Bears men’s basketball team couldn’t keep the momentum of Thursday night’s win come Saturday 28, losing 74-64 against the Jacksonville University Dolphins.
The Dolphins (12-9, 5-5 ASUN) didn’t gain much momentum over the Bears (7-16, 2-8 ASUN) in the first half, entering the second at 30-27.
UCA put in the work for a quick recovery but fell short, largely a result of Jacksonville shooting 64% in the second half.
UCA coach Widders attributed much of Jacksonville’s success to strong defensive plays and efficiency on the court.
“They hang their hat on defense. If you look at the conference, they’re number one in most defensive numbers,” Widders said. “Their overall urgency on defense can cause you to speed up your shot.”
The Dolphins gave themselves a lead to coast off during the second, scoring a total of 44 to UCA’s 37 and ultimately ending the game with a 10-point lead over the Bears.
Throughout the game UCA sophomore guard Camren Hunter landed three successful 3-pointers out of an attempted eight, while UCA junior guard Collin Cooper landed three of an attempted seven.
UCA junior guard Masai Olowokere followed closely behind with three successful 3-pointers out of an attempted five.
Widders said he was generally pleased with the Bears’ effort, but he hopes the team will become more successful on 3-pointers.
“Overall, I thought every time we touched the paint we got good looks,” Widders said. “We did make a lot of threes, but overall that percentage is not that great. I think we could’ve knocked down a few more.”
Junior guard Collin Cooper pushes past Jacksonville for a layup. The Bears lost 74-64, making this their eighth conference loss.
UCA sophomore guard/forward Elias Cato made a brief 22-minute return to the court during the game which was a highlight for Widders.
“Very, Very happy to have Elias back,” Widders said. “I thought he gave a lot of effort, a lot of energy. He changes things on the defensive end. He alters shots, he can keep the guard in front of him.”
“Obviously just a tad rusty today offensively. He’s shot it well this season, but he’s had a hard time getting on the ink and picking up shots lately,” Widders said. “I’m looking forward to [him getting] back in a rhythm here next week.”
With only two conference victories so far this season, Widders said that a big worry for him is that much of the team hasn’t had a chance to be on the court with each other this month.
“We’ve tried to address it, we’ve tried to see it in practice, but overall guys like Cooper and [UCA freshman guard] Vincent Reeves are high-volume guys,” Widders said. “They’ve gotta get some time to play together and see how each one of them works in the offense.”
The Bears will be on the road again in Fort Myers, Florida on Thursday, Feb. 2 to face off against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (14-9, 4-6 ASUN).