Seawolves stay right in the middle of the pack

The Sonoma State men's basketball team entered the weekend hot with a three-game winning streak. Though the streak was snapped on Friday, the Seawolves came back Saturday with only a victory on mind. After the loss and win, Sonoma State's record moves to 8-8 overall and 6-6 in CCAA play.

"We didn't play with the intensity and passion needed to win Friday night," said junior Will Olsem. "We realized that and turned it around for Saturday's game."

Friday, the Seawolves traveled south down the coast to La Jolla where they played against University of California San Diego (7-9, 3-8 CCAA). Steven Pratt and Patrick Scott led the Seawolves to a late comeback in the second half, bringing the Seawolves within one point with only 24 seconds left on the clock. However, the UC San Diego Tritons prevailed and defeated SSU 63-62 in a wild finish.

Pratt led the Seawolves with a game-high 18 points and seven rebounds, with six assists. Scott also contributed to the Seawolves loss with 10 points of his own, hitting two from beyond the 3-pointer line and racking up five rebounds.

The Seawolves took an early 7-2 lead just minutes into the game. However, that's when UCSD make their strike and went on a 13-0 run to take a strong 15-7 lead. Sonoma State eventually fell behind by 12 points with about five minutes remaining in the half. The Seawolves answered back in the last minutes of the first half, outscoring the Tritons 11-2 bringing the lead within three points at halftime, 29-26.

In the second half of the game, Sonoma State continued to play well as the game remained close. As the clocked ticked down, UC San Diego remained in the lead and went on a 9-0 run extending their lead to 12 points with four minutes left remaining in the game. The Seawolves stepped up to the challenge with minutes left in the game and went on a 15-4 scoring run, bringing the lead to within one point 60-59, with only 24 seconds left. The Tritons would make free throws with 20 seconds left in the game to make the score a three point game. With 10 seconds remaining the in the game, the Tritons' James McCann made one of two free throws to make the game a two possession game. Sonoma State's offensive leaders Pratt and Scott would both attempt 3-pointers with time expiring. Pratt missed off the rim with Scott there for the offensive rebound. Scott sunk a three ball just as time ran out, letting UC San Diego escape with a close victory at 63-62.

On Saturday night, the Sonoma State men's basketball team traveled to the Coussoulis Arena looking to bounce back against the CCAA's top team in Cal State San Bernardino (9-5, 8-3 CCAA). Sonoma State's Olsem had a career game, leading the Seawolves to an underdog victory against the CSUSB Coyotes. Olsem recorded a career-high 12 3-pointers and career-high 38 points, securing a 86-71 Sonoma State victory. The Seawolves' record improves to 8-8 overall and 6-6 in CCAA play.

Olsem's 12 3-pointers were just one short of tying the CCAA record for most in a game. Though Olsem was short of the record, he did break Sonoma State's record for threes in a game.

Sonoma State, as a team, were out rebounded 32-27 and had a lower shooting percentage from the floor than the Coyotes, but the Seawolves shot 15 for 30 from the three-line leading them to an upset victory.

"My coaches and teammates were a huge key to my success Saturday night, putting me in the position to be successful, and trusting me to go out there and make my shots," said Olsem. "I had a tough game on Friday and they really helped me keep my confidence up."

For the rest of the team, Justin Herold contributed to the victory with 19 points, four rebounds and two steals. Pratt had a career-high 10 assists, with seven points, five rebounds and three steals. The Seawolves shot a 50.9 shooting percentage on the night and capitalized making 31 baskets on 22 Coyote turnovers. Sonoma would take an early lead in the game, going up by eight points, but the Coyotes got hot with four minutes left in the half as they took an eight point lead of their own. Thankfully, Olsem and the Seawolves remained hot from the three-line, nailing three before the half, making the score 43-40 at halftime.