The new NAIA ratings came out yesterday and both men's and women's teams are in the top ten. The men moved up two spots to #8 and the women are back in the top ten at #10. Briar Cliff has had tremendous teams throughout the years and as a lifelong fan I have had the pleasure to watch past stars like Leon Trimmingham and Cynthia Steel but I don't remember ever being this excited to be a fan of the Chargers.
I couldn't help but be excited as the Charger women went on a 19-0 run in the closing minutes against Morningside erasing a 67-54 deficit...and held on to win behind a 20-2 run. Briar Cliff 74 Morningside 69. 15 game winning streak snapped! As the closing seconds ran off the clock Liz Grider threw the ball into the air to start the celebration and it got me thinking of the chances of seeing her do that again come March in the NAIA national tournament. On a day when Grider had just 2 points at half her supporting cast was strong keeping BC in the game until everyone came together on the great run. Megan Salcedo is quietly becoming one of the best players in the GPAC. She scored 16 points, played great defense, and the Chargers a post option that proved to be effective. Although Grider finished with 15 points her defense and passing was crucial in victory. Grider has great court vision and on multiple occasions dished off to an open teammate instead of forcing a bad shot giving Briar Cliff easy baskets. Players as good as Grider are smart enough to change the way they play to excel in other facets of the game and Liz did just that. The other player that needs to be mentioned is Michelle Determan. When she entered the game early in the first half she looked lost, like the speed of the game was too much to handle. She settled down nicely and after the game Coach Power praised her for the adjustments she made going into the second half. She scored a few big baskets, played great defense, and didn't turn the ball over when her team needed her the most. Saturday's win could prove to be a key victory when all is said and done this season. Had the Chargers lost it would've been a huge blow to their confidence following the Northwestern loss...instead the Chargers are ranked 10th and have the next three games at home against #7 Mount Marty, Midland Lutheran, and #3 Northwestern.
Todd Barry continues to push his team to new heights following the Chargers 88-69 win over Morningside Saturday. The Mustangs biggest lead of the game was just 2 points about three and a half minutes in. After that it was all BCU. Kyle Swanson had a true break out game scoring 21 points, the last 2 on a powerful two handed dunk, and in my opinion showed how important his role is for this team down the stretch. Kyle Semprini and Chase Vander Feen are going to find a way to score and Matt Geelan hopefully will be as consistent as always making Swanson a difference maker. Saturday Swanson owned the paint and was seemed confident with the ball shooting over Garth Hamilton. Coach Barry talks about pushing his team to play consistently for 40 minutes and Saturday's win over Morningside proved that they are on the right track. The fight for the conference championship continues Wednesday against Mount Marty, a team BC should beat. Then BCU gets two more at home before traveling to Concordia on January 23rd.
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