The men’s basketball team won its first game of the season last weekend against the Franciscan University Barons. With a consistent lead throughout the game, the Yeomen ultimately won by a score of 90–80.

The Yeomen came out strong and led their opponents for the entire first half. First-years Jack Poyle and Nathan Cohen helped lead the squad and contributed 20 points and 15 points respectively. The team ended the half with an impressive 59–33 lead.

“We played great the entire first half, but we got complacent in the second half as our intensity died down a bit. We just need to continue to improve and stay focused throughout the entire 40 minutes of the game,” said junior Jesse Neugarten.

The Barons chipped away at the Yeomen’s lead but could not pull ahead.

Though the Yeomen were thrilled to get their first win of the young season and improve their record to 1–5, the team knows it still has plenty of room to get better.

“In the next game, I think we need to do better being there for each other defensively. Also, offensively, the ball moves faster than we can dribble, so I think if we move the ball instead of dribbling all the time, we will look much better,” said sophomore Matt Walker. Other members of the team echoed Walker’s sentiment.

With the first win of the season behind them, the team is ready to tackle its next couple of games before winter break.

“This last stretch of games before winter break is going to be very important for the team moving onto the second half of the season. We need to make sure we really improve over the next week or so and put ourselves in a good position in league standings,” said Neugarten.

Walker is particularly anticipating the game against Wittenberg University. “I’m excited to play Wittenberg at home. I hate them. They are worse than a rock in your shoe. Worse than someone spitting on your birthday cake. Worse than someone punching your little sister in the face. I think you get the idea.” Oberlin battles Wittenberg at home after winter break on Saturday, Feb. 8.

According to Walker, the Yeomen have a newfound intensity this season.

“This year we have a very important thing that you need in basketball, and that’s talent. Also, our guys truly want to win and get better day in and day out, which is something that teams definitely did not have previous years,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how each individual grows as the season progresses. I think I’m also gonna be interested in the leadership roles of our team.”

Neugarten agreed that the team is more focused this season than in previous ones. “We have some good practices and then some where not everyone is completely focused. If we want to put together some win streaks we need to bring it in practice every day. Everyone is working really hard, and I think it’ll show in the next couple weeks,” he said.

The basketball team will attempt to continue its success in their next home game this Saturday at 1 p.m. against Wabash College.