Men’s Basketball Team Makes History

By Bailey Miller

On Saturday Feb. 26, 2022, Wilson College’s Men’s basketball made history when the team was named CSAC champions for the first time. After a season of hard work, ending with 18 wins and 7 losses, the Phoenix proudly took home this title. While they held the lead for the majority of the championship game against Cairn University, it was not an easy ride to the final buzzer.

Near the end of the game, Wilson’s players were tested as Cairn came close to ending regulation with a draw or potentially winning the game. MVP, Adrian Thomas, discussed this stressful end to the game, saying, “since it was the championship game, I was getting a little nervous.”

Nerves were felt by everyone in the gym as the clock quickly counted town. The filled bleachers only added to the atmosphere, making this one of the most exciting games the men’s basketball team has experienced thus far.

After a hard-fought game, the Phoenix came out on top with a score of 77-72. Adrian explained, “I didn’t even feel it…I was in shock,” when the final buzzer went off. This was a surreal experience for all the players on the basketball team. They jumped around the gym after the buzzer, took pictures with the champions banner, and all climbed the ladder for the net-cutting ceremony.

Adrian Thomas expressed, “It definitely feels good,” as he was named the MVP for the championship. This was a well-deserved award after a hard-fought season. He played a total of 664 minutes and scored 282 points.

Thomas’ message to the team going into the NCAA tournament is simply “play our game.” Our Phoenix takes on Stockton University in New Jersey in the first round of the tournament. Stockton ended their season with 24 wins and 4 losses, making this a game you will not want to miss. The game will take place on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. at Stockton University. Tune into the live stream and support our players. Let’s watch them make history.