The Hillsdale College men's basketball team went down to Lakeland, Florida and the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic this weekend looking to figure out who they are as a team this season.
While the Chargers didn't answer every single question, Hillsdale has to be pleased with the results so far.
Hillsdale followed up a opening game victory over Dallas Baptist on Saturday with a dominant showing on Sunday, jumping on Valdosta State early and never really letting the Blazers back in the game in a 79-65 victory. The win means the Chargers are 2-0 with two quality wins coming out of the high profile tip-off event that featured some of the country's top teams.
The Chargers shot 53% from the floor in a solid offensive performance against the Blazers, while also pounding Valdosta St. on the boards, 37-28 and suffocating the Blazers defensively into a 40% shooting night from the floor.
Hillsdale's assist numbers tell the story -- the Chargers shared the ball on every possession and created 21 of their 34 buckets with smart passes, while forcing the Blazers into quick shots and just 10 assists in the game.
Two returners who were key in the win over Dallas Baptist on Saturday had huge offensive games again for the Chargers on Sunday. Sophomore Joe Reuter scored a career-high 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Hillsdale, while senior Kyle Goessler shot 60% from the floor and chipped in 14 points and three assists as well for Hillsdale.
While Reuter and Goessler topped the charts for Hillsdale for the second straight game, Hillsdale got great contributions up and down the lineup. Jack Gohlke chipped in 10 points and four assists for Hillsdale as well, while sophomore Eric Radisevic had his best game to date as a Charger off the bench on Sunday, scoring 10 points and chipping in four rebounds and three assists.
Senior point guard Cole Nau had a highly efficient performance directing the offense for the Chargers, finishing with eight points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals, and senior Peter Kalthoff chipped in eight points, three rebounds and two block as well.
Two Chargers also got their first career points in Hillsdale uniforms in the win. Redshirt freshman Walt Mattingly chipped in five points off the bench, while true freshman Ashton Janowski scored his first career basket as well and chipped in two assists and two rebounds in an impressive 11 minute debut.
Hillsdale leaves Florida with a 2-0 record and increased confidence, which will be beneficial as the road gets tougher from here for the Chargers. The team heads right back into two tough in-region games against GLIAC foes this weekend, hosting Wayne State on Friday for a 7 PM tip, and traveling to Saginaw Valley State on Sunday at 3 PM as well.
Photo by David Dermer