If the first four games are any indication of how the men’s basketball season will play out, then it’s going to be a rollercoaster year for the Cardinals (2-2, 1-0). Since routing Suffolk University 79-58 in the season opener, Wesleyan surprised archrival Williams on the road 80-69. Unfortunately for Wes, the Williams victory was sandwiched by losses to UMass-Dartmouth and Eastern Connecticut.
“Early in the season teams usually struggle in striving for consistent play and this team is no exception,” said coach Gerry McDowell. “We played Williams after losing the previous weekend at UMass-Dartmouth where we were very careless with our offensive possessions. At Williams we executed our offense at a high level, took care of the ball and played aggressive defense.”
Two constants have been Rob Kelly ’07 and Nick Pelletier ’08, who are averaging 19 and 16 points per game, respectively. Both were instrumental in the Williams win, each netting 19 points. Kelly, who missed all of last season, dominated the paint with 11 rebounds and two blocks.
“The Williams game was a big stepping stone for our season,” Kelly said. “For me, this was my first time beating Williams on their home floor, it was real special. But we have to make sure that this is not the highlight of our season. We have to look at the Williams victory as the turning point of our season and keeping moving forward.”
Kelly presence in the paint has opened up the Cards’ perimeter game as well. Co-captains Jared Ashe ’07 and Jimmy Shepherd ’07 have been the principle beneficiaries, each averaging double-digit points. Shepherd shot 4-8 from three-point land in the win over Suffolk, en route to a game-high 20 points.
“Robert Kelly attracts double teams which, with good passing, opens up our perimeter game,” McDowell said. “We possess a more balanced offensive attack with Robert on the floor.”
Four of the Cardinals’ starting five are upperclassmen.
“The experience of the guys definitely helps,” Kelly said. “Inexperienced guys tend to get nervous on the court and may not know what to do, but our guys on the floor don’t do that. It has allowed us to stay in games no matter what the situation, we never feel like we’re out of it. They have all gotten more confident about their games, which should pay off this season.”
The squad is in the process of integrating a rookie point guard, Jeremy Kaminer ’10, but Kaminer has been a quick study. He is averaging 9.5 points a game and leads the team in steals with seven. In his first collegiate game, against Suffolk, Kaminer dished out ten assists. Against Williams, the freshmen contributed 19 points.
Even in their two losses, the Cardinals have hung with their opposition. In the loss to UMass-Dartmouth, the Cards had four players score in double-figures and trailed by as little as five in the waning minutes only to see the Corsairs hold on for an 84-77 victory.
On Wednesday, Wesleyan struggled to match Eastern Connecticut’s intensity during a frustrating 85-75 defeat. Kelly and Pelletier filled up the stat sheet in the losing effort. Kelly put in 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Pelletier contributed a double-double with 18 points and 11 boards. The Cardinals will look to establish some consistency this weekend against City College of New York.
“We must play with poise and patience on offense and trust one another,” McDowell said. “We have to defend with a vengeance and rebound better than we have so far this season. We’re looking forward to bouncing back in our home opener this Saturday.”
Wesleyan takes on CCNY this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Freeman Athletic Center.
Leave a Reply