Men’s Basketball gearing up for a MIAC title run

After clinching a playoff berth with a thrilling overtime victory over St. Olaf College, the Scots are gearing up for another trip to the MIAC playoffs. Although a spot in the playoffs is locked, the final two regular season games will play a key role in the push for a MIAC title. Looking to secure the number two seed, as well as a bye in the first round, the Scots will first travel to Collegeville for a meeting with Saint John’s University. The Johnnies, who are just one game out of the second seed and who allow the fewest points per game in the MIAC, will be a strong challenge for the Scots as they also fight for a playoff bye. After the Johnnies, the Scots will take a short trip to Augsburg University, where they will be looking to complete the season sweep over the Auggies. If the Scots win out and secure the second seed, possible playoff opponents include Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Olaf College or Hamline University. Head Coach Abe Woldeslassie ’08 knows how important the final two games of the season are. 

“We are already in playoff mode and are treating every game like it is a win or go home situation,”  Woldeslassie said.

The Scots, who have won six and lost three games since students came back from break on Jan. 18, are looking to ride that momentum and make it back to the MIAC Championship. This time, they’re looking to end the season in celebration. 

Women’s Hoops Fights Hard Despite Tough Season

With just two games remaining in the season, the women’s basketball side look to continue their recent success. After winning their last two games, the Scots look to end the season with a four game win streak. Head Coach Katie Kollar preached a lot to the team about effort, which was undeniably shown every game. The Scots, who are a fairly young team, only graduating two seniors, are looking to build off of the success of the underclassmen. Peyton Starks ’25, the MIAC’s leading scorer and multiple time player of the week award winner, was a standout for the Scots in her sophomore season. 

Despite the standings, the final stretch of the season has provided the team with lots of hope for the near future, showcasing the Scots’ potential. After a thrilling come-from-behind win, where Katherine Norquist ’25 sank the game-winning bucket to give the Scots the win, as well as a MIAC-high 34 point performance from Starks, the sky’s the limit for this young squad that will continue to improve.

Note: This article was written before the conclusion of MIAC play on Feb. 15. The women’s team won against the College of St. Benedict, 60-63, securing their third straight victory behind double-digit scoring nights from Starks and Norquist, as well as from Solana Cushing ’23.

The Men’s team lost their battle against the St. John’s, locking the Johnnies into the second seed. The Scots will play Bethel University (MN) on Feb. 18, in what could be a must-win game to lock down the third seed in the MIAC playoffs.