Men’s Basketball (5-16 overall, 1-13 CC) lost a close and exciting match to Dickinson in overtime this past Saturday. Dickinson overcame a 29-point spree by Senior Ian McCormick, 12 by Matt Allen ’10, and 11 by Sam Lacy ’11 to triumph 74-69.
The volatile game saw 6 ties and 13 lead changes. Swarthmore led 33-31 at intermission, but Dickinson closed the regular game with a 12-0 streak, and ultimately beat Swarthmore 12-7 in overtime.
The game took place during the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's (WBCA) "Think Pink" Week of February 6-17, an initiative that aims to spread breast cancer awareness across college campuses and communities. The men's team joined the women's team in solidarity, suiting up in pink shirts to show their support and donating all concession stand earnings to promote breast cancer research.
Although the players acknowledged that the season has been a rocky one, the team's record does not necessarily reflect the closeness of the games, according to Matt Turner '10. Turner said that the team has been working to stay optimistic in spite of "losing a lot of close games by an average of two points."
Sam Lacy '11 said he was frustrated by the losses, but convinced that the record does not reflect the team's true capabilities. "The narrow margins show that Swarthmore can beat anyone," Lacy said.
Injuries have also been a strain on the team's performance this season. Turner and Lacy are among those who have taken time out to recover at different points in the season. "Because of these injuries, it's been hard to get into a steady rotation," Turner said.
In spite of the team's mixed record, several individuals have been recognized for outstanding performances this year. On Feb. 5, Center Ian McCormick was honored by the Sam Cozen Player of the Week by the Philadelphia-Area Small College Coaches Association. He received the award at a bi-weekly luncheon at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
The senior economics major has started 19 games this season, and has averaged 23.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.4 blocks and 2.7 assists in the seven games leading up to receiving the award. McCormick has played in 93 games at Swarthmore, starting in 83. He holds the school record for career blocks (180) and blocks in a season (58).
This week, he was named to ESPN the Magazine's Academic All-District II second team for men's basketball. Turner said that McCormick's contribution to the team has been phenomenal throughout the season. "Ian [McCormick] has been pretty much our savior this year," Turner said.
Steve Wolf '10 has also stacked up some substantial accomplishments this season. In a recent match against Philadelphia Biblical, Wolf led the Garnet with 16 points and 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.
The team faced Muhlenberg on Wednesday night, but results were not available at the time of publication.
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