The Collegian

Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Daniel J. Williams

With excitement on tap, the men's basketball team traveled to Central Michigan University - a Division I school - last weekend for an exhibition game. After a battle on the court, the Chargers brought home their first loss, 83-81. The game served as preparation for the regular season beginning Nov. 15.

"It was a pretty physical game," said guard Evan Steward, a senior. "We're a pretty physical team. Hopefully it will be like that for the rest of the year."

Assistant coach Sam Hargraves said once the team settled down they played hard and with a lot of confidence.

"We gotta play hard but play intelligent at the same time," he said.

While the Chargers got more rebounds than the Chippewas (33-28), four Hillsdale players fouled out allowing new players court time.

"Some guys came off the bench and gave us some good minutes," Steward said.
Team captain Tony Gugino, a senior, led the Chargers in scoring with 24 points. He said the focus for the match centered on seeing where the team stands in order to "work some kinks out."

"Our offense was alright for the first game," Steward said. "There were definitely some things we can improve on."

Head coach John Tharp said the game would benefit the team as they prepare for the season.

"We'll be able to teach and learn and get better from the [videotape]," Tharp said.

With the regular season just around the corner, Gugino said he hopes the team provides something new for every game so the fans will get the arena "rocking."

"I hope they [fans] get excited about how hard we play," Tharp said. "We're representing everybody on campus."

Tharp said fans should expect the Chargers to get up and down the court and provide fun basketball to watch.

Last month the Chargers, in a preseason poll, were picked to finish fifth in the GLIAC.

As a new member of the conference, though, Tharp said he does not know what to expect.

"I don't know this league well enough," Tharp said. "We are such a new program."

Still Tharp said team chemistry is a key to success and the Chargers are beginning to develop just that.

Junior Keith MacKenzie pointed out a goal for the team.

"Our No. 1 goal right now is the win the conference," he said.

Hillsdale College Collegian, 2007

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