The regular season comes to a close this weekend in university basketball, with the Concordia Stingers men’s basketball team playing two games before heading into the playoffs.
Unlike past years, however, the Stingers will not be the number one seed, instead heading into the playoffs as either the number two or three seed, depending on the outcome.
“I still think we're the underdogs,” said fourth-year senior Evens Laroche. “Even though we won the championship last year, I still feel we're the underdogs and we have something to prove to everybody.”
While it's not set in stone, their first-round opponent in the Quebec conference playoffs will surely be Bishop's University.
The big question is who will have home-court advantage.
“Come playoff time, this is where you want to be. It's going to be full, the crowd is going to be on top of you. It's really energetic for the players. Even when I played, you just love to be in those situations,” said associate head coach Ernie Rosa.
Adding to the importance of these two final games, Thursday's contest will be a playoff preview against Bishop's.
It could also be the final home game for three graduating players, including fourth-year senior Morgan Tajfel.
“It could be my last game in this gym ever. So, I’m going try and take it all in, but at the same time focus on the goal. I just want to get that win and lock up second place and home court advantage in the playoffs,” he said.
Laroche is going into it with the same mentality.
“As it’s my last year, I'm trying to enjoy everything. I'm trying to give my 110 per cent and I'm trying to bring other guys to step up as well because it's really important,” he said. “Those two games can be a momentum for us so we can go into the playoffs and do well.”
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. and Concordia’s Stinger Dome at Loyola Campus.
