February 21, 2017

By Christopher Sich

The Dominican University men’s basketball team has qualified for the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) for the first time since the 2012-13 season after beating Division Street rival Concordia University Chicago, 87-81, in comeback fashion.

The Stars were down by nine, 48-39, at halftime, and knew they had to dig deep to pull off the comeback victory. The Cougars were able to build an 11 point lead to begin the second half, but the Stars Josh Mayberry began to heat up from the field as they turned the game around. Mayberry ended the half with 13 points, and had a game-high 18 points and four steals, to lead the Stars to the six point victory, thus clinching a berth to the NACC tournament.

“The Concordia game was exactly what you hope for in a rivalry game; both teams playing very hard combined with a great fan atmosphere,” Head Coach Mark White said. “Once again, the guys were very resilient and were able to mount a comeback from a big deficit to win.”

According to White, earning a spot in the NACC tournament is a nice team accomplishment. The Stars have grinded all season long, but there is still, though, unfinished business left to attend too.

“I am proud of how the team has stuck together and been very resilient during the long grind of a college basketball season,” White said. “Our goal is simple, to beat Concordia-Wisconsin on Wednesday night.”

The Stars have a tough road ahead being the sixth and final seed of the conference tournament, but they are up for the task.

“I am very confident in our team because the conference tournament is almost like a whole new season,” senior guard Josh Mayberry said. “It is win or go home, and anything can happen. We have the right pieces on our team to compete with anybody, so it is important that we come together and have our best focus this week.”

The team is excited to make the conference tournament, especially Mayberry, and the other two seniors Mike Lizak and Kevin Mack.

The Stars will put it all on the line this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. as they travel to Mequon, Wisconsin, to play third seed Concordia University of Wisconsin.

sichchri@my.dom.edu