After an 11-game losing streak, the Colonels basketball team picked up their first win over Xavier (N.O.), 76-63, Dec. 11. Now only four games into their conference slate, the Colonels have added back to back victories to increase their record to 3-15 overall and 2-2 in Southland Conference play. With the wins, the Colonels moved into a tie for first place in the Southland Conference’s East Division, and a tie for fourth overall in the conference.

Head Basketball Coach J.P. Piper said despite what the record shows he is pleased with the way the short-handed Colonels have handled things this season.

“I was nervous at first thinking that maybe the schedule was too much for the team to handle,” Piper said. “The conference wins prove that our toughness is no fluke. The morale is good and it is important that they keep it up.”

The Colonels knew entering the season that they would be playing without sophomore guard Michael Czepil (injury) and freshman forward Dominic Friend (NCAA restrictions). In addition, during the season, freshman guard Eddie Crockett also left the team after being homesick, and sophomore center Chris Paige was declared academically ineligible for the season.

The Colonels dressed only eight players for some games, but with the team mostly healthy, Piper was happy to have options on the bench.

“It is nice to have that option to go to the bench,” Piper said. “Hopefully we can keep these nine together.”

Things started off slow for the Colonels when they lost their first 10 games. The first nine losses all came on the road against large schools including Mississippi State, Northern Iowa, Pepperdine, Washington, Texas, Ole Miss, LSU, Auburn, in overtime and Centenary. The Colonels opened up their home stand with a 74-71 loss to North Texas prior to the victory over Xavier.

Following the victory the Colonels then lost four on the road including one conference game. Losses to Lipscomb, Vanderbilt, Louisiana-Monroe and Stephen F. Austin preceded a conference home opening loss to Sam Houston State.

The Colonels ended the losing streak at home Jan. 11 with a thrilling 83-81 overtime victory over Texas-Arlington, which was followed by an 82-67 romping of Texas State, also at home.

Piper said he is pleased with the efforts of his team.

“We were grateful to have already played an overtime game this year against Auburn so that helped us out against Texas-Arlington,” Piper said. “Looking back on it maybe the tough schedule helped us out afterall.”

Through the 18 games played this year, the Colonels are led by senior forward Stefan Blaszczynski (19.8 ppg), junior guard Adonis Gray (14.4 ppg) and sophomore guard Ryan Bathie (10.6 ppg.)

Blaszczynski also leads the team in rebounds with 95.

The Colonels return to action Jan. 20 when they travel to Hammond to play Southeastern. Piper said he hopes the Colonels can keep up the momentum and finish strong in conference.

“We’re excited about the wins, which provide us with momentum,” Piper said. “We’re hoping we can get on a roll and give ourselves a chance to win games.