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PAST ISSUES

by Casey Williams & Ben Spittle
Exchange Staff 

     Following a win Tuesday night at Saint Michael's College, the Ravens Men's Basketball team still must win the remainder of its regular season games to reach the playoffs.

     With two games left in the 2007-2008 season, the Ravens find themselves 13^th in the North East-10 Conference Standings, just one year after hosting a postseason game.  Only the top 12 teams earn entries to the Conference Tournament, which begins March first.  To be included, the Ravens need to be a perfect 2-0 over the next week, or depend on other teams to lose and fall back in the standings. 

     "We hope to rise to the challenge," said freshman point guard Kinard Dozier.  "We have a nice group of guys with a lot of heart.  But we need help from some other teams." 

     Just above Franklin Pierce (9-16) in the standings sit UMass Lowell (10-15) and American International College (10-15).  FPU wraps up its schedule against AIC and has already beaten UMass in their only head-to-head match-up, giving them the edge should the two finish with similar records. 

     If the Ravens can win their next game against tenth place Saint Anselm College according to plan, their final game against AIC could determine the last tournament spot, the winner getting in and the loser's season ending.

     "It's exciting.  It's what college basketball is all about.  To walk into an opponent's house and know something is on the line," said Dozier.

     The pre-season NE-10 Coach's Poll predicted the Ravens to finish tenth in the Conference, with a secure spot in the Tournament.  Dozier and Lyles both agreed that, compared to expectations, the team's effort thus far deserves a "C" grade.   The women's basketball teamhas already secured a spot in the second round of their upcoming tournament.

     "I didn't expect to be here," said Dozier of the Men's team's current ranking." We had a lot of talent returning, we just got our star point guard back.  But there have been major injuries, some close games, and lots of adversity. 

     "Star point guard" Jack Barrett has been out the majority of the season with a knee injury.  Dozier has been a productive addition, averaging 30.7 minutes per game and 10.3 points per game, in just his first year playing point guard. 

     The Ravens have dropped some close contests, five losses coming by a combined 11 points. 

     "There's a lot of room for improvement.  We need to put the puzzle pieces together," said Dozier, acknowledging the potential of next year's team, with the entire 07-08 lineup returning.

     Franklin Pierce Men's Basketball's continues its playoff push this Saturday, February 23^rd when they host Saint Anselm College, and finishes up at American International College on February 26^th.