Senior guard Mamadou Ngom looks to make his move against Winona State defender. Photo by Drew Smith

The men’s basketball season is now in jeopardy after the team lost to Winona State 62-56 in the opening round of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference/Sanford Health Tournament.

The team’s playoff chances are now in the hands of the NCAA selection committee who will decide which team will make it into the postseason, but where the Bulldogs currently rank it doesn’t seem to likely they receive a bid.

“As a team we are a little hurt, but we are also happy with what we did this season,” forward Brandon Myer said.

Although this season didn’t end with a championship, Bulldog basketball is on the rise. Not only did they double their win percentage from last year, but they also obtained a home game in the first round of the NSIC Tournament for the first time since 2016.

One of the reasons for the recent success can be explained by the new head coach Justin Wieck, who came from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

“He does a great job bringing us together and never panicking or getting upset… I think we all play the game to the best of our ability when he’s coaching us,” Myer said.

The team will graduate seniors Sean Burns, Ryan Kaczynski and Mamadou Ngom, all of which were important parts of this team.

Thankfully, the Bulldogs will be returning junior Brandon Myer who averaged a career high 21.6 points and a NSIC leading 10.5 rebounds a game this season.

His play definitely excelled the team to new heights this season, accomplishing things that others around the league weren’t expecting.

“The memory that I will remember was beating all of the top teams that no one gave us a chance to beat,” said Myer.

Looking forward to next year, the Bulldogs are expected to continue their winning ways with Coach Wieck entering his second year.

Men’s basketball season likely over