The Wayne State Men’s Basketball team is off to a great start to the 2018-2019 season with an overall record of 11-3.

WSC returned home from Winter Break, facing conference opponent Augustana University in a heartbreaking loss 72-71, Sunday December 30th. The loss to the Vikings snapped WSC’s nine game winning streak.
Wayne State was 12-25 from the field in the first half while shooting 5-11 from 3-point range. Senior Trevin Joseph led WSC with 21 points.

Augustana out rebounded Wayne State 36-31.

“We compete harder in practice than we ever have before,” said Vance Janssen. “Overtime this has made us a better team and has helped us compete better in our games and also help us win close games.”

The Wildcats then faced two tough NSIC conference teams on the road this past weekend going 1-1. WSC battles a tough Sioux Falls team falling short 77-71 after fighting back from a 16-point deficit.

WSC matched its season high 11-22 from behind the arc. Jacks added 25 points for WSC while shooting 11-21 from the field. Vance Janssen led WSC in rebounding. Freshman Nick Ferrarini contributed game high 4 assists for Wayne State.

Joseph led WSC in scoring with a career-high 35 points shooting 13-20 from the field while shooting 8-11 from 3-point range. Joseph tied a previous record with the most 3-pointers in a game with eight, tying former Wayne State basketball player Ryan Rolfzen.

The WSC Wildcats faced Southwest Minnesota State in the second game of the weekend Saturday evening at 6 p.m. This was the first win for WSC over SMSU since 2000.

Junior Al’ Tavius Jackson had a season-high of 14 points off the bench. Jacks lead WSC in scoring contributing 15 points.

Wayne State out rebounded SMSU 48-24 on the night led by Jordan Janssen and Jacks each contributing nine boards each.

“We are happy with the way we fought back against Sioux Falls but we aren’t satisfied with the outcome,” said Jacks. “Getting the win over SMSU on Saturday was important going into this upcoming weekend. We’re looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd again in Rice.”

WSC will face Winona State and Upper Iowa Friday and Saturday in home contests at Rice Auditorium.