The Oxford varsity boy’s basketball team got off to a rough start last week after losing to blue and gold rivalry the Clarkston Wolves 59-36 on Jan. 22.
Going into the half the team was down 21 to 13, but managed to shorten the lead 29 to 25 with 2:30 left in the third quarter. However, the Wildcats never got their ‘roar? because the Wolves ‘continued to grind on Oxford’s with their defense, which created easy offense, according to Coach Paul Marfia.
‘The story of the game was our 20 turnovers and they only having six, of the 20 at least half lead to run out lay-ups,? he said. ‘We will take this game and get better and learn from it.?
While hoping to take what they learned into their game against Birmingham Groves on Thursday, January 24, they still went home with a loss 60-52 after a tough conference match.
Currently, Groves is in first and undefeated and they showed why,? Marfia said. ‘Their guards were tough with the ball and they hit big shots when they needed them.?
As a credit to Grove’s defense, the Wildcats could not get their shots to fall.
‘The part we need to improve is the effort on defense to keep our man in front and/or take a charge,? Marfia added. ‘Those are things we can control and will have to work on in practice.?
The Wildcat’s season record is 5-7 overall and 1-2 in the OAA White Division.