Basketball is Back!
From now till March, Basketball is back and so are your Tigers!
The winter sports season is upon us, which officially means basketball is back! Pacific athletics boasts two confident rosters and coaching staffs, on both the men’s and women’s side. Looking to build on the highs and lows of last season, the squads have been working on and off the court in the off season, with emphasis on team chemistry and cohesiveness. The women’s team cites their international training trip to Spain as an advantage leading into the season, while on the men’s side the team has grown in respect for one another.
Last year the men’s team finished the 2022-2023 season with an overall record of 15-18 and a conference record of 7-9. As members of the West Coast Conference (WCC), the Tigers faced familiar, nationally ranked foes in Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s. Despite an opening round win in the WCC Championship against Pepperdine, the Tigers fell to San Francisco in the second round, concluding their season. They finished the season tied for fifth place in the conference and determined to come back better than ever.
Now, the Tigers are back with vengeance and a “chip on their shoulder,” as head coach Leonard Perry says. Replacing the four graduated seniors from last year’s roster are two transfers and two freshmen, both from overseas, ready to contribute to the team’s hopeful success this season. On the note of success, the Tigers have already had a huge win against the Berkeley Bears of the University of California. Not only was this their first road win at the first road game, but it attests to their off-season grind and sets the intention for the remainder of the season. With both an experienced staff and roster, the team will no doubt rely on the mentality established through the overcoming of trials past.
The Pacific Women’s team finished last season with an overall record of 15-17. In conference play, the team went 8-10. Also members of the WCC, the women’s team mostly saw action against unranked opponents, except when tipping off against Gonzaga. In a true nail biter of a game, the Tigers lost by only three points to the then 16th ranked Bulldogs. At the end of the season, the team built upon earlier victories and avenged previous losses. Pacific first played Saint Mary’s in the opening round of the WCC tournaments, beating them handily. Then, in a thriller of a second round, the Tigers cemented their determined mentality, roaring to a victory and the semifinal alike. In the semifinal, the team fell to Portland, ending a historic tournament run. Because of their valiant run, they finished third in the WCC.
This year, the Tigers are looking to make their late success, early and continuous. The team has been clear already that one of their goals is to be in the conversation of a championship title this year. With emphasis on resiliency and the return of big scorers on the squad, this is surely a possibility, with key wins already under their belts. Along with the key players returning, the squad brings on six new faces, ready to make their impact as Tigers. From freshmen to seniors, transfers to coaching staff, and all in between, the team is committed to pressing on in their writing of Tiger basketball history, hoping for a storybook worthy ending this season.
With both the men’s and women’s seasons already commencing, there is no shortage of opportunities to see the Tigers in action at home at the Alex G. Spanos Center. The men’s team is slated to play 17 home games, and the women’s team 16 home games. Both Tiger teams promise thrill and passionate school spirit to all fellow students, encouraging them to come support. From now till March, basketball is back!!
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