Men’s basketball off to fastest start since ’99-’00

Article By: Dan Ryan

The Rams started off their season with a 91-45 loss to the University of New Hampshire, a loss that doesn’t count against the Rams’ record and serves as little more than a chance for the team to cut its teeth against some high caliber competition. Despite the pre-season loss, the Rams came flying out of the gate, starting the season with a four-game winning streak.

The Rams started off the year by beating Eastern Nazarene College on the road, and followed up that win with two straight victories in the New England College Invitational Tournament (over Maine-Presque Isle and New England College). The Rams won their first three games by an average of 14.3 points.

According to the Suffolk Athletics Department, the three straight wins marked the first time a men’s basketball team had started the season 3-0 since 1999-2000.

The wins didn’t end at New England College, however, as the Rams returned to Beacon Hill and beat Salve Regina in their home opener by a score of 73-71.

The Rams undefeated run ended last Saturday, as the team suffered an 85-50 defeat at the hands of MIT. The Rams currently sport a record of 4-1, and they have yet to start the GNAC portion of their schedule.

Coming up huge for the Rams early in the season have been two youngsters: freshman center Matt Pepdjonovic and sophomore guard Mike Gibbons. Both were honored by the GNAC on Nov. 24 for their performance over the past week. Gibbons received Player of the Week honors after averaging 18 points over the course of three games, including one game in which he scored 35. Gibbons was also named to the New England College All-Tournament Team.

Pepdjonovic was named GNAC Rookie of the Week after averaging a double-double (17.7 points and 12.7 rebounds) in the Rams’ three victories. Pepdjonovic was named to the NEC All-Tournament Team as well.

The Rams will be in action next tomorrow night when they take on UMass-Boston at home at 7:30 p.m.