The WolfPack men’s basketball team started out the final month of regular season with a victory over the Rock Valley College Golden Eagles. There are only six games left in the season. After the 80-65 win, players and coaches seemed eager to keep the winning momentum going. The team, now back to a .500 winning percentage, has a record of 11 wins and losses.

“[It] was a team effort. The difference maker was that we have been playing better on defense,” said sophomore guard Derrick Nillissen.

Coach Scot Vesterdahl believes the key to continuing to win is the defensive play of the team and a decrease in turnovers. The WolfPack finished the first half with only four turnovers and the game with 10 overall.

“We’ve gotten better at reducing turnovers. We have to continue to keep them in the eight, nine, 10 range,” Vesterdahl said.

Another factor contributing to the win was the post play of the centers on the team. According to Vesterdahl, the team came into game with a plan to attack the paint.

Center Corey Yahnke finished the game with 18 points. He shot 70 percent from the field and converted all his free throw attempts. Yahke also grabbed five rebounds. Garrett Borgrud, the other center for the team, finished with 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block. The team finished with seven players scoring seven points or more.

Although the team won, they know they have a challenge ahead with their next game against defending national champion Joliet Junior College.

“We have to shoot the ball well and have under 10 turnovers. We have to win these games here at home, but also steal games on the road,” Vesterdahl said.

The WolfPack will travel to Joliet, Ill., on Feb. 8 to face the JJC Wolves.