The Ichabod basketball team left all memories behind of their three exhibition losses, disposing of Peru State College (Neb.), 97-50 in their first regular season game of the year.  

Washburn held Peru State to just 31 percent shooting on the night and forced 27 turnovers.

With the Ichabod defense making opportunities, it seemed to kick-start an offense that had previous struggles on the offensive end.  The Ichabods shot a staggering 60 percent from the field, going 9-20 from three-point range.  

The Ichabods followed their opening night win with another victory, trouncing Kansas Wesleyan University.

Their shots continued to fall with regularity in the friendly confines of Lee Arena, using three pointers to jump start a 99-52 win.

The Ichabods tied a school record converting 15 three-pointers, 11 of which were in the opening half.  Their hot start offensively was preceded once again by a stellar effort on the defensive end of the floor, forcing the Coyotes into 26 turnovers on the night.

 

The Ichabods looked to continue their success, heading west for the Grand Canyon Thanksgiving Invitational and an opening night game against the Antelopes of Grand Canyon University.

The Ichabods victory was overshadowed by a career-high 38 point performance by senior forward, Logan Stutz.  Stutz caught fire early scoring 17 points in the first half, leading the Ichabods to a 40-31 lead at the half.  Washburn never relinquished the lead in an 86-81 win over the host school.  

The Ichabods’ second game of the Turkey Day sabbatical pitted them against Fort Lewis College.  The Ichabods fell for the first time this season in a 66-77 loss to the Skyhawks.  Washburn could not continue their offensive prowess, connecting on a season-low four three-pointers and shot just 37 percent from the field.  Stutz led the Ichabods with 22 points following his 38 point performance the night before.  

Adversity can bring a team closer together and catapult it to an expected level of performance. With the start of the MIAA season on tap, the Ichabods cannot dwell on their final game defeat in Arizona.  

Washburn opens the conference schedule on Dec. 1 in a matchup against the University of Nebraska—Omaha; the team that brought their 2009-2010 MIAA tournament run and season to a close. 

After the exhibition slate and start of the regular season, the Ichabods have shown that they can make the necessary adjustments to become a championship caliber team.  Expectations are high for this Ichabod team as the season begins with the start of conference play.