~MEN'S BASKETBAll '---"""ISONS ETURN ~OTUPELO The men's basketball team made its fourth-straight trip to the Gulf South ConferenceTownament in Tupelo, Miss., this year, bu t a season-low shooting percentage in the quarterfinals March 4 led to a 84-87 loss to Delta State and the end of the Bisons' season. Harding held a 52-51 lead with 10 minutes, 43 seconds left in the game, but the Statesmen responded with a 10-0 run to pull out to a 61-52 advantage. The Bisons never got closer than five points the rest of the game. The Bisons finished the season with an 18-11 overall record; they were 10-6 in conference play. In addition to a winning season, the Bison players said the year also showcased highlights off the court. The tearn's weekly Bible study with David Mathews, evangelist at the Downtown Church of Christ, led to two new beginnings for junior guard Ceso Spnewell. Sprewell, who led the tearn in steals with 93, was baptized Nov. 7 after one of the devotionals, and he also proposed to his girlfriend, sophomore Cymeka Delarosa, during the Jan. 19 Bible study. "I knew Ceso was ready to make that step, but I was still shocked when he proposed during the devotional," said senior guard Emmanuel White, who led the Bisons with 95 assists. The men met every 'Mllilesday with Mathews and discussed everything from the facts of life to how God influenced everyday life. "[The Bible study] was an answer to my prayers to be able to interact spiritually with team members and play ball at the same time," White said. "It has made me a mature man." Mathews said he could see that the men had grown closer as friends and as a team. "The time together has grown them into a unit," Mathews said . "They want their lives to be better and to grow - and they are growing. I love these guys." Team members said bonding experiences, like the Bible study, helped them find success on the court. Freshman forward Jacob Thies said the"sixth man" also contributed to the Bisons' winning season. "The fans are amazing," Thies said. "They are the best in Division II basketball." -STAFF REPORTS ATHLETICS - 284
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==