Following their first loss of the season, the Ichabods bounced back with an 81-53 win against the Arkansas Fort-Smith Lions on Feb.12. This will be their 23rd game in a row won at home. Washburn was losing by just one point at halftime, but charged out of the locker room with a different energy.

“I thought the last 3 or 4 minutes was big because they had that lead and we cut into it there at the end,” said Brett Ballard, head coach. “Sometimes the way you finish a half is important because you get some momentum going into halftime. So I did think that stretch, the last three minutes (of the half) was as important as any stretch of the game.”  

The Ichabods came back to put up 51-22 just in the second half. 

“Yeah, the first 10 minutes of the game, we were stagnant, and then we finally got them moving. And I did think we did a good job of sharing it. We got some transition, which was good, and converted in transition, and then we were able to execute some stuff in the half court, and kind of got ’em chasing and played a little stronger there as the game went along,” Ballard said. “Well, I’m just happy that we responded after, you know, we faced some adversity losing Saturday, and, you know, proud of the way these guys came back and responded. They’ve been really consistent every day, but it was good to see them when the lights came on, come out and play with an edge and some toughness.” 

Junior guard Jack Bachelor scored 16, senior guard Bryson Smith scored 15, and junior guard Jeremiah Jones scored 14. Bachelor also completed his 400th career assist. When it comes to the biggest difference maker in the outcome, Jones shared his thoughts.

One of the players, freshman forward Amalachi Wilkins, shared his pre game ritual.

“I listen to, since June of sophomore year, to Adele and Olivia Rodrigo before every game,” Wilkins said.

Smith gives us some behind the scenes when it comes to Coach Ballard never wanting to take the first timeout. 

“We just knew we had to come out and start fast, you know, and not be the first team to call the first time out. So we had to come out and set the tone,” Smith said.

Jones shared what he enjoyed most about his game tonight. 

“To be honest, I just kept shooting. I didn’t lose confidence. I missed my first four threes. But, you know, the coach told me to keep shooting, and then obviously that dunk was just momentum for the game,” Jones said.

Smith reflects on the game.

“I feel like we did good. Our strategy was, you know, keep pushing, keep going. We got way more depth in them, and so just wear them down. It showed in the second half,” Smith said.

Washburn will play against Northeastern State Saturday Feb. 14, at home.

“Come out Saturday. Got a big game against NSU. Come out in support.” Smith said.

Edited by Stuti Khadka