CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - It has been an up and down season for the Lesley University men's basketball team, but the Lynx find themselves two days away from hosting their North Atlantic Conference first round playoff match up against Castleton State College. The game will take place Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at BB&N gymnasium.
A solid core of players returned from a 2007 team that reached the semifinals including captains Joe Chatman (Boston, Mass.) and Mark Stevens (Las Vegas, Nev.). Chatman has shined in his role as general of the Lynx offense, leading the team in total points scored (428) and assists (88). Defensively, he has terrorized his opponents as he also leads Lesley in steals (50).
Stevens has been equally as impressive on the court for the Lynx, tallying the second most number of points (357), the second most steals (35) and the third most assists with (25) on the team. His presence has especially been felt during the current four game win streak for the Lynx, as Stevens' clutch shooting has catapulted him and his teammates into NAC Championship contention.
Contributions have come from several new players on the Lynx squad as well. Freshman Jesus Trejo (Methuen, Mass.) has racked up four NAC Rookie of the Week awards to date. Trejo averaged 11.3 ppg and 9.3 rpg and led the team in blocks (21). Jon Cruz (Haverhill, Mass.) has given the Lynx another strong presence in the backcourt as he has been effective as a defender and a threat to drive to the basket when on offense.
Off the bench, Malcolm Andrews (Medford, Mass.) has provided energy and intensity which has certainly rubbed off on his teammates. Matt Grassa (Everett, Mass.) has handled the offense well as the team's backup point guard to Chatman.
Having won their last four NAC showdowns, the Lynx enter the playoffs as the hottest team in the conference. Before the undefeated run, Lesley sat in fourth place in the NAC East, ready to take the final playoff spot. Now, the team has jumped up to second place in the division and will host their first round match up with Castleton State College.
To learn more about the Lesley University men's basketball team, please visit their website.