The Madison College men were in need of a win on Feb. 8 against Milwaukee Area Technical College, having dropped their last three games in conference play. However, despite a hard-fought second half, the WolfPack fell short in a 78-73 loss.

While the WolfPack were aggressive offensively and able to get many of the shots they wanted, this did not translate into first half success. The team hit only 25 percent of its field goals in the first 20 minutes, including a paltry 1-for-12 performance from beyond the arc.

Compounded by the WolfPack’s cold shooting was their difficulty in protecting the rim, allowing Milwaukee Area Tech to score 20 points in the paint, more than double their own mark of 8.

The Stormers were hot from downtown, making 4 of their 8 three-point attempts. They were able to get a solid 11 point contribution from their bench, helping them earn a 41-25 halftime lead.

The WolfPack were able to correct some of their offensive problems after the break, scoring 48 points in the second half.

They opened the period with two threes in the first five minutes, helping cut Milwaukee’s lead to 11. The WolfPack were also able to shore up their inside game, scoring 26 points in the paint while allowing 18.

Milwaukee continued to get to the foul line, however, shooting 32 free throws on the night and making 20.

Madison College continued to fight its way back, eventually coming within three points with 20 seconds left in regulation. The WolfPack had the ball with a chance to equalize, but a missed three allowed Milwaukee to put the game out of reach.

“We ran a play and had a great look to tie the game at the end,” said Madison College coach Scot Vesterdahl.  “It just didn’t go in.”

Four Madison College players finished in double digits, topped by guard Tanner Schieve, who scored 15 points. Milwaukee’s Troy Spears led all scorers with 20 points on 8 of 14 shooting, including 8 rebounds.

When asked what his team can do to finish out the season strong, Vesterdahl said: “I think our key at the end of the season is to make sure we take good shots, limit turnovers, and rebound well.  If we shoot the ball like we are capable we can compete with anyone.”

The WolfPack’s next two games are at home against the College of DuPage on Feb. 19 and against Harper College on Feb. 21.

Wilbur Wright College 74, Madison College 66
Desite holding a four-point halftime lead, Madison College was unable to end its losing streak. Wilbur Wright hit 59 percent of its shots in the second half to hold off the WolfPack on Feb. 12.
Brandon Holz scored 18 points to lead Madison College, while Griffin Eckhart added 10 points.

Rock Valley College 75, Madison College 59
Despite a strong performance by the Madison College starters on Feb. 15, the team fell to Rock Valley. Eckhart led the WolfPack with 21 points, while Tanner Schieve added 13 points.