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Basketball gears up for pair of tough home games

by Kevin Byrne

The men's basketball team has had a strong season up to this point, with a competitive conference record and only one loss at home. Over the long break, the men's team went 5-2, including four very important conference wins. Their lone conference loss came on the road at the hands of the undefeated Lawrence University Vikings.

The game took place in front of huge audience, which included students and fans watching the Internet broadcast, as well as the packed Lawrence gymnasium in Appleton, Wis. The Pioneers gave Lawrence a great game although they eventually fell to the Vikings 125-110. Over the break, their record improved to 10-3 overall and 4-1 in Midwest Conference play.

John Grotberg '09 has been leading the way for Grinnell, averaging over 30 points per contest on his way to becoming one of the top-scorers in the NCAA.

The points will certainly be needed down the stretch as Grinnell has lost senior Paul Nordlund to a serious knee injury. Nordlund has been a catalyst for the Pioneers all season and if the team hopes to win a conference championship, they will have to find a way to do it without one of their captains on the floor.

"There is no way we can replace Paul," said Grotberg. "His presence on the floor and the way he could control a game was unmatched and his injury is certainly tragic. However, despite his absence on the floor, he's still showing his leadership on the bench and the shape of our rotations has changed accordingly."

Although the men pulled off a close victory last weekend against Lake Forest, they had a very tough lost against Knox this past Tuesday, losing by a single point.

The Pioneers will have their first true test this weekend at home. They will take on Carroll College in Darby tonight and they will get a second chance against Lawrence with another home game this Saturday. Both teams are at the top of the conference and two wins from the Pioneers would put them in the driver's seat for a playoff berth.

"This weekend is big because we are going to be playing the two teams that are ahead of us in the conference," said Michael Schmidt '08. "Winning our games this weekend would be a good way to gain some ground and try to get ahead of them in the conference standings. Even though both Lawrence and Carroll are ahead of us, if we play how we are capable of playing we should be able to win this weekend."

Paul Nordlund's injury will certainly factor into Grinnell's game plan. They will have to play their best basketball to come out of this weekend unscathed and continue pushing toward their goals.

"My goals now are the same as they were at the start of the season," said Head Coach Dave Arseneault. "I would like to win the conference championship. Looking at comparative scores, it appears that a couple of teams may be better than us, but I've been around long enough to know that anything can happen."

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